The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, has held discussions with representatives of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa; the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya; and the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany, on potential collaboration to develop frameworks aimed at combating illegal mining in Ghana. The meeting took place at the Commission’s offices in Accra.
The delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Ing. Martin Kressner, commended the Commission’s team for its openness, receptiveness and collaborative spirit throughout the engagement.
The collaboration organized under the framework of the Market Entry Program (MEP) and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the initiative aims to facilitate international technology transfer and enhance academic and technical cooperation within the mining sector.
The proposed collaboration focuses on three key objectives designed to support the Minerals Commission’s mandate in regulating Ghana’s mining industry. Primarily, the delegation aims to structure targeted skills training within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) value chain to encourage youth participation and advance ASM formalization. Additionally, the delegation emphasizes post-mining landscape restoration, exploring technical solutions and research applications to drive measurable ecological recovery following extraction activities. Finally, the partnership aims to deliver sustainable ASM models by providing academic and technical framework support to enhance operational standards under Ghana’s community mining scheme.
To advance the initiative, it was agreed that a five-member working committee would be established to examine the proposed project in detail and fast-track its implementation.
Mr. Tandoh said: “This partnership underscores our commitment to harnessing academic expertise in tackling the complex challenge of illegal mining. By combining research, innovation and regulatory oversight, we aim to build sustainable solutions for Ghana’s mining sector.”
Prof. Kressner expressed delight at the Commission’s proactive approach and said he looked forward to contributing expertise to this important national effort.
The CEO reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to fostering partnerships that strengthen governance, promote responsible mining practices and safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
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