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. 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.