Ghana’s mining sector already provides avenues for local participation, but the bigger challenge is encouraging more Ghanaian investors to commit capital to the industry, according to mining engineer and consultant Ing. Wisdom Gomashie.
Speaking to The High Street Journal during WAMPEX 2026, Gomashie questioned why local investors are not making greater use of mining concessions available through the Minerals Commission.
He said debates about mine ownership often focus on foreign companies while paying less attention to the investment, management and operational requirements needed to build successful Ghanaian-owned mining businesses.
Gomashie also rejected suggestions that local participation in mining is lacking. He pointed to Ghana Bauxite Company, which is majority Ghanaian-owned, as well as Sankofa Prestea, as examples of existing Ghanaian involvement in the sector.
At the same time, he acknowledged that these operations have not yet reached the scale of investment or economic impact associated with some of the country’s largest multinational mining companies.
According to Gomashie, expanding Ghanaian participation in mining will require investors to take a longer-term view of the sector rather than waiting for opportunities linked to expiring mining leases.
His remarks come amid renewed discussions over mine ownership as major mining leases approach renewal. Similar debates emerged during discussions surrounding the Damang mine and have resurfaced as Gold Fields’ Tarkwa operations move closer to a comparable stage.
Gomashie noted that calls for greater local ownership tend to gain momentum whenever a major lease is nearing expiry, only to lose attention once the immediate issue has passed.
He said Ghana’s focus should be on building a stronger domestic mining sector by encouraging investment and developing the capabilities needed to support local participation over time.
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