Ghana’s Gold Gets a New Story: Naana Jane Launches Heritage Village to Champion Local Jewellery Industry
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang stepped forward to officially launch the Heritage Village initiative, a bold platform dedicated to showcasing and promoting locally manufactured gold jewellery and breathing new life into Ghana’s value-added industry. The initiative, the brainchild of legal practitioner Gertrude Emefa Donkor under her brand Goldbod Jewellery, arrives at a time when conversations about Ghana’s economic future are louder than ever. At its core, Heritage Village is a call to action, a challenge to the nation to stop sending its gold away in its raw form and start telling a richer, more rewarding story with it. Speaking at the launch, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang made clear that the path to Ghana’s transformation runs directly through its ability to produce, not just extract. She underscored the critical importance of empowering local artisans, nurturing the country’s creative sector, and building industries that add value at home rather than abroad. For the Vice President, this is not a peripheral conversation; it is central to Ghana’s economic identity. She noted that the country’s future prosperity depends on its willingness to move beyond the mine and invest in innovation, craftsmanship, and production. The timing of the three-day event was no accident. Deliberately scheduled to coincide with Ghana Month, Heritage Village framed gold not merely as a commodity buried beneath the earth, but as a living symbol of national pride, cultural heritage, and untapped economic opportunity. It was a statement that Ghana’s gold belongs not just in the ground or in foreign markets, but in the hands of Ghanaian artisans and on the global stage as a finished, high-value product. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang took a moment to commend the organisers for their vision and courage, for contributing meaningfully to the national dialogue on industrial growth and for creating a platform where young entrepreneurs could find their footing, scale their businesses, and compete beyond Ghana’s borders. As the event drew attention from artisans, industry players, and policymakers alike, the Vice President expressed genuine optimism about what Heritage Village represents and what it could become. She envisioned it as a catalyst, an initiative capable of inspiring a new generation of innovators, uplifting local craftspeople, and playing a defining role in advancing Ghana’s industrialisation agenda. In launching Heritage Village, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang sent a clear and resonant message: Ghana’s gold is more than a resource; it is a legacy waiting to be shaped, polished, and proudly worn by the world. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
“Comply or Lose Your License”: Lands Minister Puts Mining Companies on Notice During Talensi Tour
Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a stern warning to mining companies operating in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, comply with environmental regulations or face license revocation. The warning came during a high-profile working tour of the region, where the minister met with traditional rulers, regional officials, and representatives of licensed mining companies to push for responsible mining practices and stronger benefits for local communities. The minister’s visit kicked off in Bolgatanga with a briefing at the Regional Coordinating Council, where Hon. Buah outlined the government’s priorities: formalizing small-scale mining, accelerating land title processing, and reinforcing environmental protection. He challenged Lands Commission staff to eliminate bureaucratic delays and improve record-keeping, ensuring that ordinary residents can secure their land rights without unnecessary hurdles. From Bolgatanga, the minister traveled to the Talensi District, where he first paid a courtesy call on the paramount chief of the Talensi Traditional Area, Nab Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, seeking his blessing before proceeding with the tour. This gesture underscored the government’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with traditional authorities. The royal welcome, however, came with an urgent plea. The paramount chief and his council raised serious concerns about the growing menace of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which they described as a “cancer” ravaging the district. According to the chief, the consequences are far-reaching: environmental disruption, health risks, economic losses, and deepening social conflict. “Its activities have severe consequences in environmental disruptions, health risks, economic losses, and social conflict,” the chief stated plainly. “We therefore seek effective action to eliminate or minimize the cancer from the area,” he added, calling on the minister to move beyond words and deliver decisive intervention. In response to the chiefs’ concerns, Hon. Buah announced plans to expand the Community Mining Scheme in the Talensi District, a government initiative designed to provide legal, well-regulated mining sites equipped with proper training so that miners can operate safely and sustainably. He assured the traditional authorities of strong, ongoing collaboration between his ministry and local leadership to safeguard both the environment and the livelihoods of residents. The minister’s tour then took him to two of the district’s major licensed gold mining operations, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML) and Earl International Group Ghana. At each site, Hon. Buah conducted on-the-ground inspections of operational areas, environmental safeguards, and worker safety measures. His message to both companies was unambiguous: compliance is not optional. He reminded the companies that the government holds the power to revoke mining licenses, and he was not shy about invoking it. “If any company fails to comply with the regulations on environmental grounds, their licenses will be revoked,” the minister declared. Both companies’ management teams responded by presenting their reclamation plans, community development projects, and environmental sustainability commitments, pledging to work closely with the Ministry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other relevant stakeholders to uphold the highest standards. Wrapping up the tour, Minister Buah expressed gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region for their cooperation and reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to partnering with communities and mining firms alike, striking the delicate balance between economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. Regional officials welcomed the visit, noting that it would help align local actions with national policy and bring renewed momentum to responsible mining governance in the area. The minister’s tour sends a clear signal: in Ghana’s push to grow its mining sector, environmental accountability is no longer negotiable. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Slips in Global Mining Investment Rankings Amid Rising African Competition
Ghana’s standing as a premier mining investment destination has taken a hit, according to the latest findings from the Fraser Institute’s 2025 Annual Survey of Mining Companies. Once a top contender in Africa’s resource sector, Ghana has now slipped seven places in the global Investment Attractiveness Index (IAI), falling to 53rd out of 68 jurisdictions, down from 46th last year. The country’s score declined to 55.21 from 56.98, reflecting mounting competitive pressure across the continent. Within Africa, Ghana now trails behind countries such as Botswana and Morocco, settling into the middle tier of the continent’s mining investment landscape. While the country still boasts significant mineral wealth, the new ranking signals a need to address the factors holding back investor confidence. The IAI blends mineral potential with policy perception, with geology accounting for 60 percent and policy factors for 40 percent of the overall score. The report points to regulatory uncertainty, tax concerns, infrastructure deficiencies, and land access issues as potential reasons for Ghana’s slide in the rankings. These challenges appear to be dampening investor enthusiasm, despite Ghana’s strong geological profile. Further reinforcing this trend, Ghana ranked 50th globally on the Policy Perception Index, earning a score of 53.65, indicative of moderate but not leading policy competitiveness. The survey, conducted between August and November 2025, gathered insights from 256 mining executives representing companies with a collective exploration budget exceeding US$4.2 billion. As Ghana navigates increased competition from its African peers, the latest rankings serve as a call to action for policymakers to boost the country’s appeal to global investors and reclaim its status as a mining powerhouse. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Former Defence Minister Nitiwul Accuses Mahama Administration of Abandoning Galamsey Fight
Former Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has sharply criticized the administration of John Dramani Mahama, accusing it of abandoning the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Nitiwul expressed alarm over the worsening depletion of forest reserves and the increasing pollution of major water bodies under the current government. Nitiwul noted that illegal mining has long been a source of grave environmental problems in Ghana, destroying forests and contaminating rivers that serve as vital sources of drinking water. Despite recent efforts by the government to clamp down on galamsey, he argued that the situation has only deteriorated. “No, no, that is worse off. Completely worse off. Everybody knows it’s worse off,” Nitiwul asserted. “We’ve depleted a lot of our team. Last year, what happened on the field was bad. It’s worse off.” He further alleged that the government has essentially abandoned its efforts to curb illegal mining. “I think the government has given up. That’s why nobody’s talking about it any longer. They’ve just given up. That’s basically what it is,” he said. Nitiwul’s comments highlight growing concerns about the government’s commitment to tackling galamsey and the environmental toll the practice continues to exact on Ghana’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NAIMOS Foils Bribery Attempt After Seizing Illegal Mining Equipment in Bekwai
The fight against illegal mining in the Ashanti Region took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, when the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) foiled a bribery attempt by three suspected galamsey operators in the Bekwai Municipality. The NAIMOS task force, continuing its crackdown on galamsey, returned to the Edwinase and Kokotro sites, locations previously targeted for illegal mining. At Kokotro, the team uncovered an active galamsey operation perilously close to the town, raising concerns for public safety, property, and the environment. During the operation, the task force dismantled makeshift structures and destroyed industrial pumping machines and other illegal mining equipment. They also seized a Liugong excavator, two Liugong monitors, and an unregistered motorcycle as evidence. As the team made their way back to base, three men, Emmanuel Koblah, Samuel Addai, and Kofi Frimpong, approached them in a Black Tundra F150 with registration GR 4743–16. Claiming to own the Kokotro site, the men attempted to bribe the task force with GHC 119,825.00 in a bid to reclaim their seized equipment. The task force immediately rejected the offer, arresting the trio on the spot and handing them over to the Bekwai Police Station for further investigation and prosecution. The attempted bribe, the excavator monitors, and the vehicle have all been secured at NAIMOS headquarters as evidence. NAIMOS issued a stern warning to all illegal miners and their associates: any attempt to bribe officers will result in swift arrest and prosecution. The Secretariat also called on local authorities and security agencies to intensify surveillance of previously raided sites to prevent a resurgence of illegal mining activities. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Major Illegal Mining Network on River Pra Dismantled in Covert Operation
In a daring intelligence-led operation on Tuesday, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) uncovered and dismantled a sprawling illegal mining network operating directly on the River Pra in Ghana’s Eastern Region. The raid, executed with the support of the Akyem-Oda Blue Water Guards, targeted the river corridor between the Ofoase Awona and Nsese communities in the Akyemansa District. This operation forms part of Ghana’s ongoing national campaign to protect vital water bodies and enforce environmental regulations. Acting on verified intelligence and shrouded in secrecy, the joint task force set out with a clear mission: to disrupt illegal mining activities, verify reports of environmental violations, and destroy equipment polluting the river. The River Pra, a lifeline for many communities, has faced severe degradation from illegal mining, so much so that several water treatment plants were recently forced to shut down. To reach the site, the team trekked nearly 14 kilometres through dense cocoa plantations, finally arriving at the riverbank where they discovered about 50 illegal miners actively working on the water. Sensing the imminent raid, the miners abandoned their operations and dove into the river, swimming across to Nsese to evade arrest. Undeterred, the task force pressed on, dismantling and destroying all illegal mining infrastructure left behind. The scale of the operation was significant; 75 dredging Changfang platforms and 50 gold washing platforms were destroyed, along with 150 Changfang machines that were found on the riverbed and subsequently burnt. Several pipelines and water hoses drawing water directly from the Pra were also destroyed. After the dust settled, NAIMOS officials engaged with local residents, educating them about the dire environmental, health, and livelihood risks posed by illegal mining. Community members expressed gratitude for the intervention and called for continued vigilance to restore the Pra River and safeguard their way of life. NAIMOS highlighted the troubling persistence of well-organised illegal mining networks in remote areas, which often operate with impunity despite local security and administrative structures. The Secretariat is now calling for stronger, better-coordinated efforts among security and administrative agencies to effectively dismantle these entrenched operations and protect Ghana’s natural resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Perseus Mining Awards Scholarships to 172 Youths, Deepening Commitment to Community Education
Excitement and hope filled the air as 172 young men and women from Perseus Mining Ghana Limited’s (PMGL) operational communities were awarded scholarships totaling GH¢278,279 under the company’s Edikan Trust Fund. The ceremony, which drew together traditional authorities, community leaders, parents, students, and company officials, marked another milestone in PMGL’s ongoing investment in the future of its host communities. This year’s bursary allocation not only supports the educational pursuits of beneficiaries in various tertiary institutions across Ghana, but also represents a significant increase—GH¢68,279 more than last year’s expenditure. The boost underscores Perseus Mining’s growing commitment to education as a driver of local development. In his address, Alexander Oduro, General Manager of Perseus Mining, emphasized the transformative power of education. “Education equips individuals with the tools to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said. Oduro assured the gathering that PMGL would continue to empower host communities by investing in young people’s academic journeys. Board Chairman of PMGL, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, echoed these sentiments, describing education as a catalyst for social transformation. “Education gives young people the opportunity and skills to dream beyond their circumstances and strengthens the pillars of society by nurturing thinkers, innovators, and responsible citizens,” he remarked. He credited this belief as the guiding principle behind the company’s unwavering support for the Edikan Scholarship Scheme over the past five years. Nana Agyensaim, Paramount Chief of the Owirenkyi Traditional Area, highlighted the broader impact of Perseus Mining’s contributions. Since the inception of the Edikan Trust Fund, the company has invested over GH¢28 million in development projects, including scholarships, that have uplifted communities throughout the region. Akwasi Gyima Botah, Chairman of the Edikan Trust Fund, explained that the fund was established as a development vehicle to improve the socio-economic well-being of communities within PMGL’s operational areas. Its flagship initiative, the Edikan Scholarship Scheme, provides financial assistance to deserving but needy students at the tertiary level. “Hundreds of youths have benefited over the years. Many have completed their education and are now giving back to their communities,” he noted. For the beneficiaries, the scholarship is more than financial support; it’s a vote of confidence in their potential. Many expressed their gratitude, pledging to make the most of the opportunity and to honor the investment by striving for academic excellence. With each scholarship awarded, Perseus Mining reinforces its vision: to position education as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Ghana’s mining communities, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to build a brighter, more prosperous future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government Revokes Law Permitting Mining in Forest Reserves Amid Galamsey Concerns
The government has officially revoked Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which previously granted the President authority to approve mining in the nation’s forest reserves. The revocation follows the maturation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025, which became law on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, after being laid before Parliament by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. This decisive move forms part of the government’s renewed efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has wreaked havoc on the country’s environment and forest resources. L.I. 2462 had long faced fierce criticism from environmental activists and the general public, who argued that it enabled industrial mining in protected forest areas, undermining conservation efforts and fueling the destructive effects of galamsey. Environmental and civil society groups have welcomed the revocation, viewing it as a significant step toward restoring and safeguarding Ghana’s forest reserves. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Chamber of Mines CEO Urges Caution and Dialogue on Mining Royalty Reforms
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has urged the government to slow down ongoing reforms to mining royalties and intensify engagement with industry stakeholders to safeguard the sector’s long-term sustainability. Speaking at a media soiree on Tuesday, Dr Ashigbey addressed concerns over proposed changes to Ghana’s mining fiscal regime, including adjustments to royalty structures and taxation. He revealed that the Chamber has already initiated discussions with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources regarding the proposed review of royalties. Dr Ashigbey clarified that the mining industry is not opposed to the introduction of a sliding royalty scale, but emphasized that the timing, thresholds, and broader fiscal context must be carefully considered. “We are not averse to the sliding scale. The challenge is at what point you are putting the sliding scale and the context in which you are putting us,” he explained. While referencing ongoing debates over lithium royalties, the Chamber CEO noted that the gold sector faces more immediate and far-reaching challenges. He cautioned that the government’s proposal to set royalties as high as 11 percent comes at a time when the industry is already contending with high effective tax rates and uncertainties in Ghana’s growth and stabilisation framework. Dr Ashigbey warned that pushing through the reforms too quickly could threaten the sector’s competitiveness and long-term viability. “What we believe should happen is that the government should wait and have more engagement. We should find a sweet spot that ensures the government gets its revenue, while the industry remains sustainable,” he said. He also cautioned that the swift legislative process, including a bill currently before Parliament, could undermine investor confidence if not handled with broader consultation. Dr Ashigbey stressed the need for a balanced outcome that would allow mining companies to grow and hire workers, while also supporting government revenue and job creation across the economy. He called on the government to temporarily slow the legislative process, urging broader dialogue with policymakers, industry players, and other stakeholders. “We need to put a brake on the process, bring all sides around the table, understand the government’s policy rationale and find the best way forward so we don’t jeopardise the sustainable development of the industry,” he concluded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Withdrawal of Lithium Agreement Sparks Debate Over Mineral Royalties in Parliament
The recent withdrawal of a lithium mining agreement from Parliament has reignited debate over the country’s mineral royalty policies, following objections from the Majority caucus. The Majority argued that the 10 percent royalty rate negotiated by the Akufo-Addo administration contravened the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2010, which caps royalties for such concessions at 5 percent. The former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye emphasized that the controversy should extend beyond the debate over whether the royalty rate is set at 10 or 5 percent. He argued that Ghana has long disadvantaged itself by accepting a maximum royalty cap of 5 percent for valuable resources like lithium, gold, diamonds, and bauxite. “It’s very painful to envisage that we have something that has got value. Then we say, when you take this commodity, which has got value, don’t give me more than 5%. But give me anything 5% downwards. That is what the cap means, and who does that? Honestly, we have not been fair to our nation at all,” Prof. Oquaye asserted, adding that Ghana should negotiate for significantly higher royalties, suggesting rates of at least 20 percent, to ensure fair returns from its mineral wealth. The lithium agreement, initially presented to Parliament by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, concerns the mining of lithium and other minerals in Mankessim, Central Region. The agreement was later revised after Barari DV Ghana Limited, the mining firm involved, requested changes to the lease terms in light of a sharp downturn in global lithium prices, which affected the project’s commercial viability. Prof. Oquaye’s comments have sparked renewed calls for Ghana to re-examine its approach to negotiating mining royalties, with many stakeholders insisting that the nation’s interests must be better protected in future agreements. Source: Apexnewsgh.com