Ethics inclusion and community collaboration must guide Ghana mining sector says Dr Joyce Aryee
Former mining leader Dr Joyce Aryee has urged Ghana’s mining sector to adopt ethics, inclusion and community collaboration as foundational principles. Speaking at a national forum on mining and community welfare she stressed that mining should not simply be an economic enterprise but a partnership with communities that safeguards livelihoods and respects people’s rights.
She explained that mining continues to contribute significantly to the economy and provides jobs across many regions. Yet she warned that without fair practices, transparent benefit sharing and genuine engagement with host communities mining risks creating social disruption rather than development.
Dr Aryee highlighted that many mining communities rely on agriculture, small businesses or other local livelihoods. When mining begins without proper compensation, environmental safeguards or community-led planning these sources of income are often destroyed. She called on companies and regulators to ensure fairness in land access, environmental protection and community welfare before operations start.
For mining to truly benefit the country, she proposed a model where companies commit to long-term social programmes. These would include investments in health facilities, clean water, education and vocational training for affected people. She argued that such investments would leave lasting benefits long after mining ends.
She further urged that national mining policy demand upfront social and environmental impact assessments, fair compensation for land owners and a plan for post-mining land restoration. According to her, mining operations without these elements risk failing both economically and socially in the long run.
Her call received strong support from community leaders civil society actors and mining stakeholders. Many acknowledged past grievances over displacement pollution land degradation and lack of dialogue. They welcomed the idea of a mining industry that sees communities as partners rather than obstacles.
If her recommendations are adopted, Ghana’s mining sector could evolve into a model of responsible and inclusive development. This would ensure that mining contributes not only to national revenue but also to improved living conditions and sustainable growth for communities directly affected by extractive activities.
