New Minerals Commission Board Inaugurated with Mandate to Reform Ghana's Mining Sector

The inauguration follows the formal appointment of the board members by President John Dramani Mahama, as communicated in a letter from the Secretary to the President, Dr. Chelstus Mahama, dated May 16, 2025 (superseding an earlier communication). The appointments were made after consultation with the Council of State.

Minister Sets Ambitious Agenda

Minister Buah, presiding over the ceremony, underscored the mining sector's critical importance to Ghana's economic trajectory. He outlined urgent challenges requiring the board's immediate attention: the pervasive issue of illegal mining (galamsey), environmental degradation, and shortcomings in regulatory oversight. He stressed that Ghana's mineral wealth must yield tangible benefits for all citizens.

“Our vision is clear,” Hon. Buah declared, “to promote sustainable and responsible mineral resource development that drives economic growth while protecting the integrity of our land and ecosystems.”

The Minister laid out a five-point priority agenda for the new board

1.  Intensifying the Fight Against Illegal Mining: Through improved enforcement mechanisms and strategic resource allocation.
2.  Boosting Institutional Capacity: Enhancing staff welfare and strengthening the Commission's operational effectiveness.
3. Licensing Regime Reform: Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing transparency in the acquisition of mineral rights.
4. Supporting the Energy Transition: Ensuring the responsible management of critical minerals, such as lithium and rare earth elements, which are vital for green technologies.
5.  Exploring Innovative Financing: Securing sustainable long-term funding for the Commission's operations.

Minister Buah urged the board to lead with “transparency, strategic oversight, and proactive stakeholder engagement,” particularly emphasizing collaboration with mining communities and investors.

Board Chairman Pledges Commitment

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the newly sworn-in board, Chairman Mr. William Ntow Boahene, Esq., expressed gratitude to President Mahama and Minister Buah for the trust placed in them. He pledged the board's dedication to upholding the core values of the Minerals Commission and delivering excellence.

“We will work closely with the management, the Sector Ministry, and all stakeholders to help realize the government’s 24-hour economy policy and national rebuilding agenda,” Mr. Boahene affirmed.

New Governing Board Composition

The newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Minerals Commission comprises:

*   Chairman: William Ntow Boahene, Esq.
*   Chief Executive Officer (Ex-Officio Member): Martin Kwakui Ayisi
*   Seven Other Members (Including at least two women):
    *   Prof. Gordon Foli
    *   Yusif Sulemana, MP
    *   Issah Salifu Taylor, MP
    *   Prof. Hamza Adam, MP
    *   Nana Adwoa Foriwa
    *   Nana Yaa Gyindoh I
    *   Emelia Ankomah, MP

The board assumes office immediately, tasked with steering the Minerals Commission in executing its mandate to regulate and manage Ghana's mineral resources effectively and responsibly.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Space FM.