Ghana's Mining Sector Can Thrive Legally: A Story of Community Engagement and Reform

In a bold and defiant interview, Alhaji Jibril Zamba, the First Vice Chairman of the NDC in the Obuasi West Constituency, has firmly rejected allegations linking him to illegal mining, or galamsey, in the Ashanti Region. Speaking on July 28, 2026, Zamba insisted that the mining concession at the center of the dispute was legally released to local residents through proper government channels. This case is not just about one man's defense; it is a powerful example of how Ghana can transform its mining sector through transparent community engagement, legal reforms, and responsible entrepreneurship.

The controversy began in 2025, when reports emerged that over 200 acres of a mining concession in the Adansi enclave had been taken over by illegal miners, forcing out licensed operators. Zamba was accused of leading unauthorized miners onto the land. However, he provided a compelling counter-narrative: the concession, he claimed, was released to the community following extensive meetings with government officials, the Minerals Commission, and local leaders.

'That concession does not belong to anyone. I have the documents available with me. During NDC's John Mahama era, a lot of people used to go to the mines in Obuasi, and that angered the locals, so they demonstrated. The current Obuasi West Mayor was then the MCE, and we held several meetings with the Minerals Commission. After those meetings, about 60% of the concession was released to the government, which was later released to us, the locals,' Zamba explained.

This story underscores a critical opportunity for Ghana. Instead of viewing mining as a zero-sum game between large corporations and local communities, we can create a framework where small-scale miners, like those Zamba represents, operate legally and safely. This approach aligns with the government's broader economic reforms, which aim to boost local entrepreneurship, create jobs, and attract foreign investment. The Minerals Commission, under these reforms, has been working to formalize artisanal mining, providing licenses and training to reduce environmental damage and increase tax revenue.

Zamba's confidence is striking. 'You can't arrest me because I am well protected. I am a very powerful person,' he stated, adding that he voluntarily surrendered to soldiers who took him to Accra, only to be released the same day by a presidential staffer. He claimed that 'some of the high officials were against galamsey' but that he was given the go-ahead to allow locals to mine. This narrative, while controversial, highlights the need for clear, consistent enforcement of mining laws. When communities feel they have a stake in legal mining, they become partners in protecting the environment and the economy.

The story also reveals the human cost of the galamsey crisis. Zamba alleged that one soldier who threatened him later died in a road accident, a tragic reminder of the tensions that can arise when regulations are unclear. But the path forward is clear: Ghana must double down on its reforms, ensuring that every mining operation, whether large or small, is legal, transparent, and sustainable. The success of the Adansi enclave's community mining scheme could serve as a model for the entire country.

For the Ghanaian diaspora and international investors, this case is a signal of progress. Ghana's government is actively working to resolve disputes through dialogue and legal channels, not just confrontation. The country's commitment to rule of law and economic openness is creating a fertile ground for business. As Zamba's case moves through the courts, it will test the strength of these reforms. But one thing is certain: Ghana's mining sector, when properly managed, can be a powerhouse of innovation and job creation.

This is not a story of lawlessness; it is a story of a nation finding its way. Ghana is showing that with the right policies, community engagement, and a focus on education and entrepreneurship, even the most contentious issues can be turned into opportunities for growth. The future of mining in Ghana is bright, and it belongs to all Ghanaians.