Ghana Chamber of Mines requests Reuters clarify mining bill report

The Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM) has formally requested a clarification from Reuters regarding a news report on the proposed Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026. The Chamber asserts that the international news agency’s coverage contained inaccuracies concerning the state's "special share" rights and the proposed duration of mining leases. According to the industry body, these distinctions are critical for public understanding and for maintaining investor confidence in Ghana's mining sector.

Central to the Chamber's grievance is the report's characterization of the special-share provision. The GCM clarified that the power mentioned in the report, which allegedly introduced new rights for the state over corporate transactions, is already established under the existing Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). The Chamber emphasized that this provision does not grant the government voting rights but instead confers specific consent rights over major transactions, a nuance they believe was misrepresented in the Reuters report.

Furthermore, the Chamber pointed out significant inconsistencies regarding the duration of mining leases as presented in the news coverage. While the draft Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026, specifically prescribes a 15-year term for leases, a subsequent government policy statement had indicated a maximum duration of 20 years. The GCM noted that the Reuters report failed to reconcile these two figures, potentially creating confusion about the actual legal requirements currently under consideration by the legislature.

In its call for more precise reporting, the Ghana Chamber of Mines stressed that accurate media representation of existing laws and proposed legislation is vital for the industry. The Chamber remains focused on ensuring that the final version of the 2026 Bill provides a stable and predictable framework for mining operations. As the legislative process continues, the GCM intends to work closely with both the government and the media to ensure the facts surrounding mining reforms are communicated clearly to all stakeholders.