President John Dramani Mahama has assured workers employed by operating gold mines that the government’s planned transition from owner mining to contract mining will not affect their salaries or conditions of service.
He said workers would continue to receive the same remuneration and enjoy their existing conditions of service as mining companies increasingly engage indigenous firms to undertake mining operations.
Speaking at the African Minerals Policy Centre’s 2026 Mining in Motion Forum, President Mahama said the policy was intended to increase local participation in Ghana’s mining industry without disadvantaging workers already employed by operating mines.
“As we transition from owner mining to contract mining, I want to reassure workers who are currently employed by operating gold mines that this will not affect their remuneration or conditions of service. They will be paid the same,” he said.
The transition forms part of the government’s local content policy, which seeks to expand the role of indigenous companies in mining operations.
Under the policy, mining companies are expected to move towards engaging Ghanaian-owned firms to undertake contract mining, creating opportunities for local businesses to participate more directly in the sector.
President Mahama said the broader objective was to ensure that Ghana’s mineral wealth generated greater economic benefits for the country, including increased opportunities for indigenous enterprises and employment.
READ: AMPF–MiM 2026: GH¢200m earmarked for NAIMOS, Blue Water Guards in 2027 Budget – Mahama
He also called for stronger partnerships and practical commitments from stakeholders in the mining industry, stressing the need for measurable progress in local participation, skills development and the creation of opportunities for young people.
The forum brought together stakeholders to discuss ways of ensuring that Africa derives greater value from its mineral resources and translates its mineral wealth into jobs, business opportunities and improved living standards.
