Mahama Ayariga highlights need for African unity in mining to secure local benefits
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has emphasised the need for African countries to adopt coordinated approaches to mineral resource management to ensure that the continent’s natural wealth delivers lasting economic and social benefits.
He said Africa’s mineral endowment could serve as a major driver of development if countries prioritised policies that promote responsible extraction, strengthen local participation and ensure that revenue from mining contributes to improving the welfare of citizens.
Mr Ayariga participated in the African Minerals Policy Forum’s Mining in Motion 2026 conference in Accra, where policymakers and other industry stakeholders discussed strategies for strengthening Africa’s position in the global mining sector.
The forum was held under the theme, “Sovereignty as Practice: Strengthening African Bargaining Power and Delivering Local Benefits.”
Reflecting on the discussions in a Facebook post on Monday, October 19, the minister said the continent needed to focus on ensuring that mineral wealth supports national development and improves livelihoods.
He highlighted local governance, community participation and accountability in mineral revenue management as important components of this process.
For Mr Ayariga, the management of mineral resources must go beyond extraction and revenue generation to deliver tangible benefits to communities.
Stronger local institutions and greater community involvement, he noted, can help ensure that mining contributes to sustainable development and creates better prospects for future generations across Africa.
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