The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has stated that the government will thoroughly assess the social, financial, and environmental performance of mining companies before approving extensions of their leases.

Speaking to journalists during a working visit to some mining sites in Tarkwa, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised that mining firms will no longer be allowed to operate in ways that sideline the needs and welfare of local communities.

“Contracts will be extended based on the records and commitments that the mining companies have made—technically and financially,” he said.

“We will assess how they have invested, how they’ve behaved as corporate citizens, not only in terms of benefiting their host communities, but also the country as a whole.”

He noted that key considerations would include the level of community engagement, fulfillment of corporate social responsibilities, environmental stewardship, and consistent tax compliance.

“We are looking at all these things—whether taxes have been paid, whether the community has benefitted, and whether the country is seeing value. These will all be part of the considerations in determining contract extensions,” the Minister stressed.