4 days Ago By Ghana News
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, has firmly refuted claims that Ghana is nationalising its mining sector, clarifying that the government’s actions are strategic efforts to secure fairer terms for the country and its citizens. Speaking in an interview on Joy News, Mr. Tandoh stated unequivocally, “ There hasn’t been a policy for nationalisation.
We are not Burkina Faso. We are not Mali. But we are pushing for indigenisation.
” His remarks come amid growing public debate following the government’s decision not to renew the mining lease of Gold Fields Ghana for its Damang Mine. Some industry watchers and commentators had speculated that the move signals a shift towards nationalisation. However, Mr.
Tandoh explained that the real intention is to correct historical imbalances and ensure that Ghana benefits more significantly from its vast natural resources. “ We support foreign investment. But some of these agreements cannot be in perpetuity.
It cannot be forever, ” he argued. “ 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 .
” Mr. Tandoh emphasised that the current shift in policy is neither abrupt nor reactionary, but a calculated, well-thought-out strategy designed to better serve the national interest. “ This is about Ghana.
This is about ensuring our infrastructure, our communities, and our people benefit from what is under their feet,” he said. Reiterating Ghana’s openness to investment, Mr. Tandoh stressed that partnerships must now be built on fairness and mutual respect.
“ 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. ” According to him, the Minerals Commission is actively reviewing all existing agreements to ensure they align with modern standards of equity and sustainability. “ We are evaluating everything.
We are protecting Ghana’s future, ” he stated. Addressing fears that the Damang decision could discourage investors, Mr. Tandoh dismissed such concerns, asserting that genuine investors seek fairness, not perpetual advantage.
“Genuine investors are not afraid of fairness. They are afraid of instability. We are offering structure, fairness, and a clear plan for growth,” he said.
Mr. Tandoh further assured that the Minerals Commission is working closely with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to ensure that the transition process is transparent, well-coordinated, and beneficial to all stakeholders. He concluded emphatically, “ This is not abrupt.
This is deliberate. It is strategic. And above all, it is for Ghanaians.
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