The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has underscored that Ghana is yet to reap development benefits commensurate with its over 100 years of gold mining.
He said government was therefore targeting investors with the technical expertise, financial muscle and proven track record to help transform the mining sector and retain more value in-country.
Mr Buah said this when he met the management of Shandong Gold Group in Jinan, China, during his engagements with Chinese mining investors on opportunities in Ghana’s extractive sector.
Jinan, capital of Shandong Province, is one of China’s leading gold-producing hubs. At the meeting, the Minister held talks with the President of Shandong Gold Group, Zhang Xiaohui, and his team on the company’s operations and expansion plans in Ghana.
Shandong Gold Group, ranked among the world’s top 10 gold producers, started production in Ghana in 2025 with its Cardinal Namdini Mine in the Upper East Region. The company currently holds eight exploration licences and is seeking lease approval to operationalise additional projects.
Mr Zhang said the Cardinal Namdini Mine currently has an annual processing capacity of 9.5 million tonnes and is committed to responsible and mutually beneficial mining. He added that about 95% of the mine’s workforce are Ghanaians. He said the company is ready to deepen its investments in Ghana while boosting local participation and ensuring its operations contribute significantly to national development.I
In response, Mr Buah lauded Shandong Gold Group for the performance of the Cardinal Namdini Mine and its commitment to responsible mining, but stressed that Ghana must derive greater benefits from its mineral wealth.
He noted that the country’s long history of gold production has not translated into the level of development it should be proud of, hence the need to attract capable investors to develop the sector responsibly and sustainably.
The Minister assured responsible investors of government’s commitment to create the right conditions for investments that comply with Ghana’s mining laws, protect the environment and generate greater value for the economy. He said increased investment from major firms like Shandong Gold Group could strengthen responsible large-scale mining, create jobs and improve value retention.
Government, he added, is keen on deepening partnerships with global mining companies to enhance environmental protection and ensure Ghanaians derive greater economic and social benefits from the country’s mineral resources.
