Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to achieve sustainable mineral wealth that benefits everyone, especially those in mining communities.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum focused on strengthening the mining sector for sustainable development in Accra on April 23, 2025, the Vice President highlighted the significant disparity between the substantial profits generated by mining industries and the limited funds allocated to mining communities.
In a speech delivered on her behalf by Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Advisor to the Vice President and former Local Government Minister, she reiterated that “the true treasure of national progress lies not in extracting natural resources, but in elevating lives from poverty, empowering communities, and fairly distributing dividends.”
Ghana’s Vice President Calls for Equitable Distribution of Mineral Wealth
Additionally, she stated, “We must work together to ensure that mineral revenues are managed transparently and accountably, with the benefits of mining shared equitably among all stakeholders.”
The Vice President called for deeper collaboration, sustainability, and regenerative mining practices to guarantee that mineral revenues are managed responsibly.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, equity, and sustainability in the mining sector.
He urged for collective action to combat illegal mining and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment and ensure intergenerational justice.
Dr. Hannah Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF)
Dr. Hannah Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), announced plans to train 1,500 young people with disabilities in fabrication and other skills, and to implement a zero-cost farming initiative, which includes a project for a 100,000 fish farm and a fish processing plant.
Established in 2016, the Minerals Development Fund has the potential to transform mining communities and drive development projects that benefit local communities, traditional authorities, and local governments.
With renewed commitment to its vision, the MDF aims to invest mineral revenues directly into projects that empower mining-affected communities through fair distribution of resources and promote community development.
Furthermore, the fund seeks to implement sustainable development projects that will have lasting impacts across generations.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
