Mahama Ayariga calls for stronger local governance to ensure mining benefits communities

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has called for stronger local governance, community participation and accountability in the mining sector to ensure that Africa’s mineral wealth translates into improved living conditions for its people.

He said the continent’s abundant mineral resources presented significant opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development, but stressed the need for policies that ensure mining communities benefit meaningfully from the exploitation of resources in their localities.

Mr Ayariga made the remarks after participating in the African Minerals Policy Forum’s Mining in Motion 2026 conference in Accra, which brought together stakeholders to discuss the future of Africa’s mining industry.

The discussions focused on the theme, “Sovereignty as Practice: Strengthening African Bargaining Power and Delivering Local Benefits.”

In a Facebook post on Monday, October 19, the minister highlighted the importance of ensuring that mineral resources contribute to national development and improve the livelihoods of people in mining communities.

He noted that effective local governance structures, meaningful participation by affected communities and transparent management of mineral revenues were essential to ensuring that the benefits of mining reached the people most affected by extraction activities.

Mr Ayariga’s remarks underscore the role of local authorities and community stakeholders in promoting responsible resource management and ensuring that mining activities support inclusive development.

He maintained that strengthening accountability and local participation would be critical to building resilient communities and securing a sustainable future for Africa.