Ghana’s gold production experience and ongoing reforms in the minerals sector took centre stage when the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, welcomed a delegation from Malawi on a learning mission focused on mining governance and responsible mineral development.

Welcoming the delegation, Armah-Kofi Buah noted that Ghana, home to six of the world’s ten largest gold producers, had accumulated more than a century of mining experience but remained committed to learning and improving its policies.

He said the visit was particularly timely as Ghana pursued reforms to strengthen gold purchasing, improve traceability and ensure proper accounting of mineral production and revenues.

The Minister explained that the reforms also sought to protect the environment, give mining communities a stronger voice and ensure they benefited from the resources extracted from their lands.

He outlined proposed changes to the 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 Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, delivered a presentation on Ghana’s mining governance framework, providing practical insights into efforts to build a more responsible, inclusive and well-regulated sector.

He also addressed questions on domestic gold purchasing, the formalisation of mineral markets and measures to strengthen responsible sourcing systems.

Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Thoko Tembo, who led the delegation, expressed appreciation for Ghana’s hospitality and described the visit as an opportunity to learn from both the country’s successes and its challenges.

Tembo said the delegation was keen to gather practical lessons to help Malawi avoid similar pitfalls as it develops its mining sector, particularly in artisanal and small-scale mining and the financing of mineral-related businesses.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the Malawian delegation to examine Ghana’s policy approaches and consider lessons that could inform reforms in its own mining industry.

The visit was supported by the United Nations Development Programme and included representatives from Malawi’s banking sector and artisanal and small-scale mining industry.