“Let Ghanaians Lead”: Small-Scale Miners Push for Control of Big Mines
By Adwoa Nyarko Asiamah | 7 April 2026
Small-scale miners in Ghana are calling for a major shift in the country’s mining sector, insisting that Ghanaians should be given control over large-scale mining operations.
Speaking on Pure FM, members of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners expressed concern about what they describe as the continued dominance of foreign companies in the industry, despite the growing capacity of local players.
They argue that small-scale mining, which dates back to pre-colonial times, has evolved into a major economic force, with over three million people currently engaged in the sector. Gold, they noted, can be found in nearly every part of the country except the Volta and Greater Accra regions.
However, the group highlighted a major challenge: only about 10 percent of small-scale miners are licensed. According to them, the process of acquiring licenses remains difficult, pushing many into illegal operations.
They believe that with easier access to licensing and proper regulation, small-scale miners can operate responsibly and contribute even more significantly to the economy.
The miners also stressed that the sector is increasingly valuable, with state institutions deriving substantial benefits from small-scale mining activities compared to some large-scale operations.
Central to their concerns is the issue of ownership and control. The group insists that the government’s “resetting agenda” should prioritize giving Ghanaians control over large-scale mines, which are currently dominated by foreign interests.
They rejected claims that locals lack the expertise to manage such operations, pointing to the number of trained engineers, electricians, and mining professionals produced in the country. Many of these professionals, they said, are forced to seek opportunities abroad instead of contributing to Ghana’s development.
According to the association, Ghanaians already have access to mining equipment and technical know-how, and should be empowered to take the lead while mentoring others to grow into medium-scale operators.
They also challenged the long-held belief that foreign investors are the primary source of capital, arguing that Ghana must begin to place greater value on its own natural resources and invest in its people.
Drawing comparisons with Burkina Faso, they questioned why Ghana cannot adopt similar approaches to strengthen local participation in mining.
The group further called for practical and forward-looking policies that prioritise Ghanaian interests, promote responsible mining practices, and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth directly benefits its citizens.
They also blamed some foreign-led mining operations for contributing to environmental degradation, particularly land destruction, and stressed the need for a more sustainable, locally driven approach to mining in Ghana.
