My Remarks at the Annual Conference of the Association of China-Ghana Mining

It is a privilege to be invited to this Annual General Meeting of the Association of China-Ghana Mining , and I am grateful for the opportunity to address you on behalf of the Ghana Chamber of Mines. I convey warm greetings from the Chamber’s leadership and Secretariat.  

At the outset, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Tang Zhegjiang for his dedicated service. Your tenure has been characterised by steady leadership, openness to engagement, and a clear commitment to fostering cooperation between your organisation, industry stakeholders, and national institutions. We acknowledge the important role you have played in strengthening confidence and dialogue, and we thank you most sincerely for your contribution.

I would also like to warmly welcome and congratulate the incoming Chairman, Mr. Wang Jinquan. Chairman, as you assume this responsibility, you do so at a time when collaboration and thoughtful leadership are increasingly important. We are confident that you will build on the solid foundation laid by your predecessor, and we look forward to working with you in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the relationship between our two organisations has been constructive and cordial. Chinese enterprises continue to make meaningful contributions to Ghana’s economy, including within the mining sector and its supporting value chains. These contributions are evident in employment creation, skills development, infrastructure support, and broader economic activity.

As representative bodies, we share a common interest in ensuring that Ghana remains a stable, competitive, and attractive destination for responsible investment. Achieving this requires continuous engagement, cooperation, and a shared commitment to addressing issues in a balanced and forward-looking manner.

In this context, there are ongoing national conversations and key among them is the review of the mineral royalty framework, including the proposed sliding scale royalty that call for careful reflection and inclusive dialogue. Government’s objective of optimising national benefits from Ghana’s mineral resources is well understood. At the same time, it is important that policy outcomes support long-term sustainability, investment confidence, and employment across the industry.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has put forward a considered counter-proposal, aimed at achieving an appropriate balance between national revenue interests and the economic realities of mining operations. We firmly believe that this balanced approach will help protect existing investments, support future projects, and preserve jobs, while continuing to deliver value to the State.

Specifically, the Chamber proposes a graduated royalty structure for Government’s consideration, anchored to prevailing gold price bands. Under this framework, a gold price of up to US$1,900 per ounce would attract a royalty rate of 4 percent; prices ranging from US$1,901 to US$3,500 per ounce would attract a royalty rate of 5 percent; prices between US$3,501 and US$4,500 per ounce would attract a royalty rate of 6 percent; while gold prices of US$4,501 per ounce and above would attract an additional 2 percent of net margin, to be earmarked for a dedicated development fund, rather than paid into the Consolidated Fund.

In addition, the Chamber proposes that licensed small-scale mining operators contribute an appropriate portion of royalties, in recognition of recent reports indicating that small-scale miners now account for a significant share of national gold production, in some instances exceeding output from large-scale mining companies.

In this regard, we respectfully encourage the Chinese business community, the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, to join us in reinforcing the importance of a stable, predictable, and competitive fiscal regime for the mining sector. Such support, expressed through constructive engagement and dialogue, will contribute positively to the ongoing policy discussions and help ensure outcomes that are in the best interest of Ghana and the industry as a whole.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the Ghana Chamber of Mines remains committed to close collaboration with your organisation and other stakeholders, guided by respect, transparency, and a shared desire to see Ghana’s mining sector remain resilient, responsible, and competitive.

Looking ahead, the challenges and opportunities before us from fiscal reforms to environmental stewardship and community engagement underscore the importance of partnership. By continuing to work together, we can help ensure that the industry contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s development while remaining sustainable for the long term.

Once again, I commend the outgoing Chairman for his service, congratulate the incoming Chairman, and wish your organisation a successful AGM and a productive year ahead.

Thank you for your attention.

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