The Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has called on small-scale miners across the country to come together to acquire large mining concessions similar to those operated by multinational firms such as AngloGold Ashanti.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based CTV on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, the MP said such a move would allow miners to operate “the right and proper way” while curbing illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
“I am with the Food and Agriculture Committee in Parliament, and we had a meeting with the Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Emelia Arthur. In my area, we are predominantly farmers, and many are also engaged in illegal mining. My vision is that one day someone from Amenfi Central can own a large concession like AngloGold or Newmont and do proper mining. What do we do, or how can we start it?” she asked.
Hon. Cudjoe, who is also an exporter, stressed that her goal is to encourage responsible mining practices and reduce the prevalence of galamsey. She explained that for the past sixteen years she has legally bought and exported gold, with documentation and licences from successive governments.
“For someone like me, there is no government that comes to power without me having a licence to buy and export gold. I don’t engage in indiscriminate mining as others do,” she said.
She further urged miners, particularly those involved in small-scale operations, to reclaim lands after use, either by farming or restoring them according to regulatory standards. “They should not wait for the President, sector ministers, or institutions to compel them to do the right thing,” she added.
The MP also encouraged miners to consider forming associations that cut across political divides in order to strengthen their position for acquiring concessions. She argued that if Ghanaians are given opportunities to own major concessions, it could reduce poverty and help retain gold proceeds within the country, boosting GDP growth.
She commended the work of the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr Sammy Gyamfi, and appealed to miners to comply with existing regulations.
