Ghana intends to regulate working conditions in its mining industry as the country prepares to transfer certain operations from major international companies to local firms by December 2026. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has instructed the Minerals Commission, the authority responsible for sector regulation, to ensure that this reorganization does not result in any reduction in wages, social security coverage, or benefits for the affected workers.
This decision comes against a backdrop of trade union unrest. Labor organizations fear that increased reliance on local contractors could weaken social gains and reduce compensation.
The reform notably affects major operators such as Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti, Zijin, and Ghana Manganese Company, which are required to transfer certain activities to Ghanaian entrepreneurs as part of the local content policy. This policy aims to increase the participation of national companies in the exploitation of the country's mineral resources.
See also- Ghana: Iduapriem gold mine passes to South Africa's AngloGold Ashanti for 66,5 million USD. Beyond protecting employees, authorities intend to harmonize compensation and employment conditions across the entire mining value chain.
The Minerals Commission must also establish a classification system for subcontractors based on their capabilities to better regulate their involvement in the sector. It is required to submit its implementation proposals by no later than 30 November 2026.
Furthermore, the Ministry warned that there will be zero tolerance for abusive labor practices, collusion between companies, bid rigging, or the use of front companies intended to circumvent local content rules. These measures are designed to allow Ghanaian companies to benefit more from mining activities without this reorientation coming at the expense of workers or transparency in contract awards.
Published on 22/10/26 12:05 The Editorial Staff