The Africa Policy Lens (APL), a public policy think tank, has called for greater transparency, accountability and stronger parliamentary oversight in Ghana’s mining sector, arguing that many of the government’s flagship mining initiatives have recorded weak implementation despite ambitious policy announcements.
In its assessment of the mining component of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, APL said several programmes announced in the 2026 Budget Statement have delivered only partial results, raising concerns over value for money, governance and measurable impact.
The organisation is therefore urging Parliament to intensify oversight to ensure the country’s mineral resources are managed in the national interest.
GoldBod Under Scrutiny
APL questioned the Ghana Gold Board’s (GoldBod) failure to implement a comprehensive gold traceability system promised for the first quarter of 2026.
According to the think tank, despite government claims of increased gold exports and foreign exchange earnings of about US$15 billion, GoldBod has not disclosed the identities of licensed small-scale miners supplying gold to the Board, despite several Right to Information (RTI) requests.
It further expressed concern over unresolved reports of trading losses exceeding US$214 million and the reported disposal of about 22 tonnes of gold held by the Bank of Ghana.
APL warned that GoldBod’s aggressive gold purchasing programme, if pursued without effective traceability mechanisms, risks encouraging illegal mining while prioritising revenue generation over environmental protection.
Questions Over GANRAP
The organisation also questioned the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme (GANRAP), describing it as a continuation of the previous Domestic Gold Purchasing Programme under a different name.
While acknowledging government’s allocation of GH¢5 billion to the programme and the revision of its operational cost model from 14.5 per cent to five per cent, APL said Ghanaians have not been adequately informed about the reasons behind the earlier cost structure that reportedly resulted in losses exceeding US$214 million.
It criticised Parliament for failing to subject the programme to the level of scrutiny warranted by the scale of public funds involved.
Refining Strategy
On domestic gold refining, APL said government continues to send mixed signals, noting that although partnerships with private refinery operators have been announced, previous commitments regarding the Royal Ghana Gold Refinery remain unclear.
Cooperative Mining Programme
The think tank also raised concerns over the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), saying official reports on its implementation contain significant inconsistencies.
It questioned reports that temporary mining permits had allegedly been issued to illegal miners, arguing that such actions contradict established procedures for acquiring mineral rights.
APL further cited frequent changes in the programme’s leadership, lack of strategic direction and the continued expansion of illegal mining as factors undermining confidence in the initiative.
Illegal Mining Expanding
Despite government reports of arrests, equipment seizures and security operations against illegal mining, APL said environmental destruction continues unabated.
It noted that the number of forest reserves affected by illegal mining has reportedly increased from 45 to 50, while pollution of water bodies remains widespread.
The organisation also criticised the Mid-Year Budget Review for failing to provide data on convictions secured or offenders imprisoned as part of the anti-illegal mining campaign.
Mining Policy & Investment Concerns
APL expressed concern over recent policy changes affecting the mining industry, including the introduction of a sliding-scale royalty regime ranging from five to 12 per cent and uncertainty surrounding mining lease security.
It said the regulatory environment has negatively affected investor confidence, citing the Fraser Institute’s 2025 Annual Survey of Mining Companies, which ranked Ghana 53rd out of 68 mining jurisdictions globally for investment attractiveness, down from 46th out of 82 in 2024.
According to APL, Ghana is gradually losing its competitive advantage to neighbouring mining jurisdictions due to regulatory uncertainty.
Bauxite, Iron and State Assets
The organisation also questioned the slow progress in developing Ghana’s integrated bauxite and iron industries.
It said government has yet to disclose details of GIISDEC’s proposed national scrap metal traceability policy or provide sufficient information on GIADEC’s consolidation of six mining leases.
APL added that concerns remain over indigenous participation, local content policies and the future of strategic state assets, including VALCO.
Recommendations
Among its recommendations, APL called on GoldBod to publish the list of licensed gold suppliers, disclose the status of the national gold traceability system and account for the reported financial losses.
It also urged Parliament to launch a full investigation into GANRAP, summon the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to explain inconsistencies surrounding rCOMSDEP, and compel government to publish details of registered mining cooperatives and training expenditure.
Additionally, the think tank called on government to account for the effectiveness of anti-illegal mining operations, disclose the status of seized equipment and prosecutions, publish mining policy reforms for stakeholder consultation, and present a comprehensive roadmap for developing Ghana’s aluminium, iron and mineral value-addition industries.
APL maintained that while the mining sector remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, stronger governance, transparency and accountability are essential to ensure the country’s mineral wealth delivers sustainable benefits for present and future generations.
