Malawi delegation studies Ghana’s mining reforms and responsible gold governance

Malawi is looking to Ghana’s experience in gold production and mining-sector reforms for lessons to strengthen its own mineral governance, with a focus on responsible sourcing, artisanal mining and the financing of mineral-related businesses.

The delegation, led by Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Thoko Tembo, met Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as part of a learning mission supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The engagement focused on Ghana’s mining governance framework and ongoing efforts to improve gold purchasing, traceability, production accounting and the management of mineral revenues.

Mr Buah said Ghana’s long history of mining had provided experience from which other countries could learn, while emphasising that the country was also working to improve its policies and regulatory systems.

He said ongoing reforms were intended to strengthen accountability in the gold sector, protect the environment and ensure mining communities had a greater voice and benefited from resources extracted from their lands.

The Lands Minister outlined proposed changes to the mining licensing regime, including clearer timelines and performance requirements for companies holding mining rights.

He also highlighted plans to involve district-level mining committees in assessing proposed concessions before licences are issued.

The proposed measures are intended to strengthen oversight and improve the assessment of mining proposals before they receive regulatory approval.

Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, also presented Ghana’s mining governance framework to the delegation.

He responded to questions on domestic gold purchasing, the formalisation of mineral markets and efforts to strengthen responsible sourcing systems.

Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Thoko Tembo, welcomed the opportunity to learn from Ghana’s experience, including challenges encountered in developing and regulating its mining industry.

He said the delegation wanted practical lessons that could help Malawi avoid similar difficulties as it develops its own sector.

The discussions included artisanal and small-scale mining and access to financing for businesses operating in the minerals industry.

The delegation also included representatives of Malawi’s banking sector and artisanal and small-scale mining industry, reflecting an interest in both regulatory approaches and the financial systems needed to support mineral-sector development.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the two countries to exchange perspectives on mining regulation, domestic mineral markets and responsible sourcing.

For Ghana, the discussions come as authorities pursue reforms aimed at improving accountability in gold purchasing and strengthening oversight of mining activities.

For Malawi, the visit offers an opportunity to examine Ghana’s policy approaches and consider which lessons could inform the development of its own mining industry.