The Ghana Chamber of Mines has challenged a Reuters report on the proposed Minerals and Mining Bill 2026. In a statement on October 7, 2026, the Chamber said the report lacked sufficient context on provisions concerning the State's special-share power and mining lease durations. The Chamber reviewed a September 30 Reuters report titled "Ghana bill would give state special share rights in mining firms, draft shows."
According to the Chamber, Section 60 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) gives the Minister the power to require a mining company to issue a special share to the Republic for no consideration. This power has been part of Ghana's mining legislation since 2006. The special share under Act 703 is a non-voting preference share that does not provide rights to dividends, profits, or company assets upon liquidation.
The Chamber stated that Clause 57 of the proposed Bill largely carries forward this existing framework while increasing sanctions for non-compliance. The Chamber asked Reuters to clarify that the special-share power is not being introduced for the first time under the 2026 Bill. The proposed legislation would re-enact the provision with revised sanctions.
The Chamber also highlighted a difference between the published Bill and the government's public position on mining lease durations. Clause 39(2)(a) of the May 2026 version of the Bill proposes an initial mining lease term of 15 years or the forecast life of the mine, whichever is shorter. However, on July 15, 2026, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources stated that "Mining lease period is now fixed at 20 years maximum."
The Chamber noted that the Minister's statement was made after the Bill had been laid before Parliament and indicates the government's policy intention but does not amend the Bill unless Parliament changes the text during its consideration. The Chamber respects Reuters' role in scrutinizing legislation and informing the public but argued that reporting should distinguish between existing law, proposed changes, and government statements.
The Chamber has asked Reuters to update its report to reflect that the special-share power already exists under Section 60 of Act 703 and to acknowledge the government's July 15 statement on a proposed maximum 20-year mining lease term. The rejoinder was signed by Albert Amekudzi, External Relations and Sustainability Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
The Minerals and Mining Bill 2026 proposes reforms to Ghana's mining sector, including provisions relating to state participation, local content, and mining lease durations. The Chamber remains committed to engaging constructively on the Bill while supporting reforms aimed at strengthening governance and increasing Ghanaian participation and national value.
Key points
- The Ghana Chamber of Mines disputes a Reuters report on the proposed Minerals and Mining Bill 2026.
- The Chamber argues that the report lacks sufficient context on provisions concerning the State's special-share power and mining lease durations.
- The proposed Bill proposes reforms to Ghana's mining sector, including provisions relating to state participation, local content, and mining lease durations.
