The CEO of Ghana’s Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, has made a bold case for greater Ghanaian control over the country’s mineral wealth.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, April 17, he declared that 30-year mining leases must not become permanent arrangements that rob Ghanaians of true ownership.
“There hasn’t been a policy for nationalisation,” Tandoh clarified, “unlike our neighbours Burkina Faso and Mali.
“But what we are pushing for is indigenisation, so that Ghanaians benefit from our resources. So that our infrastructure benefits. That’s our focus.”
His remarks follow the government’s dramatic takeover of Gold Fields’ Damang mine after it rejected the South African company’s bid to renew its mining lease.
The decision was confirmed in a statement from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Wednesday.
Andrews Tandoh defended the move, saying the era of open-ended concessions is over.
“Some of these agreements cannot be in perpetuity. It cannot be forever,” he said.
“If you’ve been given a lease for 30 years and you’ve worked through the 30 years, it cannot be business as usual.”
“We can’t say those neo-colonial type of agreements should just continue. It cannot continue,” he stressed.
The Minerals Commission boss stressed that Ghana still welcomes foreign investment, but it must come with fairness and a clear exit strategy.
“We support investment. But what’s fair is fair. If you’ve made your profits over three decades, let’s have a conversation about value for Ghanaians. Let’s re-negotiate, or hand it back.”
Andrews Tandoh said the commission is committed to a model that balances investment with national interest. “Ghanaians must see the benefit. Not just in numbers on paper. In jobs. In infrastructure. In ownership.”
He said the Damang case will not be the last.
“We are reviewing all expiring leases. Those who have delivered value will be engaged. But if we feel the people of Ghana are not getting what they deserve, we will act.”
Isaac Andrews Tandoh’s message was unmistakable: “30 years is enough.”
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