The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Andrews Tandoh, has dismissed claims that Ghana is nationalising its mining sector, clarifying that the government is instead pursuing strategic reforms to secure fairer and more beneficial terms for its people.
“There hasn’t been a policy for nationalisation. We are not Burkina Faso. We are not Mali. But we are pushing for indigenisation,”
Tandoh’s remarks come amid public debate over the government’s decision not to renew the mining lease of Gold Fields Ghana Damang Mine.
While some have interpreted this move as a step toward nationalisation, Tandoh explained that the government’s goal is to create a more equitable mining regime that prioritises Ghana’s interests.
“We support foreign investment. But some of these agreements cannot be in perpetuity. It cannot be forever. If you’ve been given a lease for 30 years and you’ve worked through the 30 years, it cannot be business as usual. Those neo-colonial types of agreements cannot continue.”
The Minerals Commission CEO emphasised that the shift in policy is a calculated strategy to ensure Ghana derives greater benefits from its natural resources.
“This is about Ghana. This is about ensuring our infrastructure, our communities, and our people benefit from what is under their feet,”
He noted that Ghana remains open to foreign investment but seeks partnerships based on mutual benefit and equity.
“We’re not saying don’t come. We’re saying, let’s do fair business. Let’s look again at what we signed 30 years ago. The times have changed.”
Additionally he revealed that, the Minerals Commission is currently reviewing existing agreements to align them with modern standards of equity and sustainability.
“We are evaluating everything. We are protecting Ghana’s future,”* Tandoh said. *“Genuine investors are not afraid of fairness. They are afraid of instability. We are offering structure, fairness, and a clear plan for growth.”
Tandoh stressed that the government’s approach is deliberate, strategic, and rooted in national interest.
“This is not abrupt. This is deliberate. It is strategic. And above all, it is for Ghanaians,”
