Those who benefited from Ghana old mining system may resist Mahama new reforms – Otumfuo

According to report by Thebbcghana on Tuesday 20, October 2026, The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has cautioned that individuals and groups who benefited from Ghana’s previous mining system may resist reforms being introduced by President John Dramani Mahama to transform the country’s mining sector.

The Asantehene made the remarks at the African Minerals Policy Centre’s 2026 Mining in Motion forum, where discussions focused on mineral resource governance, responsible mining and the need for African countries to derive greater benefits from their natural resources.

According to the traditional ruler, efforts to reform the mining industry could encounter opposition from people who have become accustomed to the existing arrangements and continue to benefit from the system. He suggested that such interests could pose challenges to the implementation of policies aimed at improving transparency, accountability and the management of mineral resources.

Otumfuo’s comments highlight the difficulties governments may face when attempting to introduce significant changes to an established economic sector, particularly one involving valuable natural resources and powerful commercial interests.

Ghana’s mining industry remains an important contributor to the national economy, generating revenue, supporting employment and attracting investment. Gold, in particular, continues to play a significant role in the country’s export earnings and foreign exchange receipts.

However, concerns about the distribution of mining benefits, environmental degradation, illegal mining and the management of mineral wealth have continued to feature prominently in national discussions. These issues have intensified calls for reforms that ensure mining activities contribute more substantially to national development and improve the livelihoods of communities affected by extraction.

President Mahama’s mining reform agenda is expected to be assessed against its ability to address these longstanding concerns while balancing environmental protection, investment and economic growth.

Otumfuo’s warning underscores the importance of strong leadership, institutional accountability and sustained stakeholder engagement in implementing reforms. It also draws attention to the possibility that vested interests could complicate efforts to change established practices.

The remarks at the 2026 Mining in Motion forum have therefore added to discussions about how Ghana can strengthen governance in the mining sector and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth delivers lasting benefits to its people.

Ultimately, the success of mining reforms will depend not only on the policies introduced but also on their implementation, enforcement and ability to withstand opposition from interests that may be affected by the changes.

Mrs.Juliana feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com