Ghana and Canada Strengthen Ties: Commit to Fighting Illegal Gold Mining and Boosting Investment

H.E. Myriam Montrat (left) and Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (right)

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Myriam Montrat, paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. The meeting highlighted the commitment of both countries to combat illegal mining and explore investment opportunities in Ghana’s extractive sector.

During the discussions, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized the Ghanaian government’s commitment to overhauling the country’s mining sector. The goal is to create a sustainable environment that provides significant returns to investors while contributing to national development. To achieve this, the government plans to eradicate bottlenecks in the mining licensing regime, making it more accessible to investors who adhere to Ghana’s climate and environmental protection laws.

The Lands Minister also stressed the importance of transparency and simplicity in the mining licensing process. “We must review our process to make things simple. The issue of corruption will be taken seriously, I can assure you,” he said.

The meeting also affirmed Ghana’s participation in the upcoming Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Mineral exploration & Mining Convention in Toronto, Canada. This event will showcase exploration companies, governments, equipment, and service providers in the mining industry worldwide.

The High Commissioner noted that Ghana and Canada have historically shared common interests, and the area of mining presents another opportunity for both countries to strengthen their partnership. The Lands Minister expressed his appreciation for Canada’s support and cooperation over the years, highlighting the mutual benefits of their collaboration.

As Ghana and Canada continue to work together, their commitment to fighting illegal mining and promoting sustainable investment practices is expected to have a positive impact on the mining sector and the environment.