The Ghana Chamber of Mines has urged Reuters to revise its report on the proposed Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026, saying the publication should clarify that the State’s special-share powers already exist under Ghanaian law.
The Chamber said the special-share provision highlighted in the Reuters report of September 30, 2026, is not a new legal requirement, although the proposed legislation seeks to re-enact the framework with tougher sanctions for non-compliance.
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In a statement issued on October 7, the Chamber said Section 60 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), already empowers the Minister responsible for mines to require a mining company to issue a special share to the Republic for no consideration.
The provision, it explained, gives the State consent rights over specified major corporate transactions.
The power has therefore been part of Ghana’s mining legislation since 2006,” the Chamber stated.
The clarification follows a Reuters report headlined “Ghana bill would give state special share rights in mining firms, draft shows,” which examined provisions in the proposed legislation.
The Chamber said Clause 57 of the published Bill largely maintains the existing framework but materially increases the sanctions for non-compliance.
It stressed, however, that explaining the history of the provision should not be interpreted as endorsing the special-share power or how it may be exercised.
The Chamber has consequently asked Reuters to make clear that the power is not being introduced for the first time under the 2026 Bill.
Chamber highlights conflicting lease terms
The Chamber also raised concerns about the reporting of proposed mining lease durations, pointing to a difference between the Bill published by Parliament and a subsequent statement by the Government.
It said Clause 39(2)(a) of the May 2026 version of the Bill provides for an initial mining lease term of 15 years or the forecast life of the mine, whichever is shorter.
However, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources subsequently announced a different policy position at the Government Accountability Series on July 15, 2026.
Mining lease period is now fixed at 20 years maximum…” the Minister stated.
According to the Chamber, the statement reflects the Government’s later policy intention but does not automatically change the text of the Bill.
The material point for readers is the unresolved difference between the text published by Parliament and the Government’s later public statement,” it said.
The Chamber urged Reuters to acknowledge both positions and clarify that the 20-year maximum was the Government’s stated intention, rather than the wording contained in the published Bill.
Calls for accurate reporting
The Chamber said clear reporting on the proposed legislation was necessary to support informed public debate, particularly because international coverage of Ghana’s mining industry influences investment decisions and policy discussions.
It noted that the Bill contains substantive proposals requiring careful examination and said it would continue engaging the Government, Parliament and regulators on the implications for the mining sector.
The debate is best served when reporting distinguishes existing law from proposed changes and the text of a Bill from later ministerial statements about the Government’s policy intentions,” the statement said.
The Chamber also encouraged media organisations covering the sector to engage relevant institutions and accurately explain legal and policy developments.
It reaffirmed its support for reforms that strengthen governance, deepen Ghanaian participation and increase national value, while maintaining the predictability and competitiveness needed for responsible, long-term mining investment.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines represents companies involved in mineral exploration, production and processing in Ghana.
