The Minerals Commission has held a high-level meeting with an International Monetary Fund Fiscal Transparency Evaluation Mission, led by Almudena Fernandez, to review and enhance transparency and accountability frameworks within Ghana’s mining sector.

The engagement, which took place at the Commission’s head office, brought together senior officials led by the Chief Executive Officer, Isaac Tandoh, who welcomed the team, and the Deputy CEO for Support Services, Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, who led the technical discussions.

During the meeting, the Commission presented a detailed overview of Ghana’s mineral licensing architecture, emphasising the distinctions between exploration and exploitation rights, as well as the statutory processes governing each category.

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Officials highlighted the importance of legal clarity, regulatory compliance, and transparent procedures in strengthening governance and reinforcing public confidence in the administration of mineral rights.

A significant focus of the engagement was beneficial ownership transparency. The Commission reaffirmed that new mining legislation will mandate the declaration of beneficial owners for all mineral rights holders.

It also noted that since 2019, large-scale mining companies and mining support service providers have been required to disclose beneficial ownership information, while small-scale mining licences remain strictly reserved for Ghanaian citizens.

The IMF team was further briefed on statutory processing timelines, including the 90-day period for the Commission to review and make recommendations on mineral rights applications, and the 60-day ministerial approval window.

The discussions also covered fiscal accountability and revenue flows within the sector. The Commission underscored that royalties are administered by the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Minerals Income Investment Fund in line with approved frameworks, and reaffirmed its commitment to publishing production, labour, health, and safety data to promote transparency.

Both parties concluded the meeting with a shared commitment to strengthening Ghana’s mining governance in line with international best practices and supporting sustainable national development.

Other senior officials present included Victoria Awuni, Deputy CEO for Policy Planning, Mineral Titles and Local Content; Joseph Frimpong, Acting Chief Inspector of Mines; Ing. Frank Asare, Director of Mineral Titles; Josef Iroko, Acting Director, Legal; and Ernest Brakohiapa, Assistant Manager, Mineral Titles, among others.