BTA2023 Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has urged a review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution to better regulate agreements in the extractive industry, arguing that the current frameworks leave the country at a disadvantage.
Speaking in a recent media interview in Accra, the Council of State member expressed concern over the unfavourable mineral concession agreements Ghana continues to sign with foreign investors. She pointed out that Ghana is being overly exploited compared to other jurisdictions that have adopted more beneficial resource-sharing models.
Questioning Ghana’s Natural Resource Policies
Madam Akuffo challenged the existing policy framework guiding the extraction of Ghana’s gold, diamonds, and other natural resources, particularly how revenues are distributed between the government and foreign companies.
She criticized the country’s continued reliance on outdated agreements, comparing them to the colonial-era contracts introduced under Governor Guggisberg in the early 20th century.
“Why are we still doing it like we are in the days of Guggisberg?” she asked.
The Plight of Mining Communities
Beyond legal and policy concerns, the former Chief Justice lamented the poor conditions in mining communities, where valuable resources have been extracted for decades with little to no visible benefits for residents.
“You end up with really pathetic towns where a valuable mineral has been extracted for years, even centuries. When you think of the amount of gold or diamond that has been mined, you ask yourself: what went wrong?” she emphasized.
The Need for Reform
Madam Akuffo stressed that Ghana must take a critical look at its natural resource agreements, ensuring that contracts benefit the country and its citizens, rather than leaving communities impoverished while foreign investors reap most of the profits.
As a Council of State member, she believes this issue should be a key priority alongside other matters presented by the President. Her call adds to growing demands for policy and constitutional reforms to ensure fairer agreements in Ghana’s extractive sector.
