The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has renewed calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s mining legislation, insisting that Ghana needs a legal and regulatory framework that is “modern, competitive and predictable.”

Addressing a mining stakeholders’ forum in Kumasi, Ashigbey said the ongoing review of the Minerals and Mining Act offers a rare chance to build a law that can meet present-day realities while preparing the industry for future demands.

“A key pillar of ensuring Ghana benefits optimally is a modern, competitive and predictable legal and regulatory framework,” he said.

Ashigbey’s appeal comes amid mounting pressure on government to confront the worsening problem of illegal minin, known locally as galamsey which has polluted major rivers, destroyed forest reserves and threatened food security.

In recent days, he urged government to declare a state of emergency on galamsey to underscore the gravity of the crisis and to mobilise the resources needed to curb it.

Ashigbey believes that the current review of the law must go beyond routine amendments to tackle the root causes of instability in the sector, including weak enforcement and a lack of incentives for responsible investors.

“The current Minerals and Mining Act is undergoing revision, but that revision needs to be forward-looking,” Ashigbey stressed, warning that piecemeal changes will not solve long-standing challenges.

The Minerals and Mining Act, first enacted in 2006 and last revised in 2015, governs everything from licensing and royalties to environmental obligations.

However, industry stakeholders have repeatedly complained that outdated provisions and unpredictable policy shifts deter both local and foreign investors.

According to Ashigbey, the revised law must balance investor confidence with stronger safeguards for Ghana’s natural resources, ensuring that mining revenues translate into real benefits for communities.

“We need a law that attracts both foreign and local direct investment in a highly competitive global market, while simultaneously ensuring that a fair share of value created remains in Ghana,” he said.

Ken Ashigbey urged government to treat the review as a national priority, arguing that clear, stable rules are essential if Ghana is to protect its environment while remaining a top destination for responsible mining investment.

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