By: Maltiti Sayida Sadick
Accra, Ghana
The Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Nantogmah Dasana, has called for the urgent development of a dedicated rail network to transport Ghana’s manganese and bauxite resources directly from mine sites. He made the remarks during the 2025 Minerals and Mining Convention at Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra emphasizing that an efficient rail system is critical to unlocking the full potential of the country’s mining sector.
Dasana acknowledged the challenges that may arise with the shift from road-based haulage—particularly resistance from truck drivers—but proposed an inclusive solution. “Truck drivers may kick against it, but they can be reformed into owning parts of the trains so they don’t lose at the end of the day,” he suggested.
Improving Mining Governance and Local Ownership
Speaking at the convention, Mr. Dasana praised Parliament’s ratification of a cap on mining leases, describing it as a positive development for investor confidence and long-term planning. He noted that the new 60-to-90-day window for lease ratification would significantly accelerate investment decisions in the sector.
He also highlighted the increasing participation of Ghanaians in mine operations. “About 99 percent of the workforce in Ghana’s mines today are Ghanaians,” he said, describing the progress from a time when expatriates dominated the industry.
Dasana gave insight into current ownership structures in Ghana’s mining sector: Chinese entities hold 33%, Canadians 30%, and Ghanaians 20%.
Strategic Outlook: Bauxite, Manganese, Lithium, and Iron Ore
Ghana currently operates one bauxite and one manganese mine, and the country is looking forward to developing lithium and iron ore projects as part of its mineral diversification strategy. However, Dasana warned that the growth of large-scale mining is essential to the survival of the small-scale mining sector, as both are interdependent.
Mining Investment and Domestic Financing
A key concern raised was the lack of domestic investment in the mining industry. “Investments in mining don’t sit here and don’t come from Ghana, and that is worrying,” Dasana said. He advocated for the strategic use of Ghana’s pension funds to support mining operations—but only in ventures with low to moderate risk.
He also emphasized that 70% of mining revenue returns to Ghana, and in 2024, Ghanaians spent $2.86 billion of that revenue domestically. He called for a more equitable return of mineral royalties to mining communities, to ensure that the people most affected by mining activities benefit directly.
Chamber of Mines’ Support for Education
The COO also highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to education. The Ghana Chamber of Mines has spent $2 million supporting the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), part of over $10 million invested in educational initiatives across the mining sector.
Bottom Line:
As Ghana seeks to maximize the value of its mineral resources, the call for rail development to haul bauxite and manganese adds urgency to national infrastructure planning. The move would not only reduce road damage and environmental impact but also improve logistics and position Ghana as a more competitive mining hub.
