President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has urged mining companies to treat host communities as development partners rather than obstacles, stressing that sustainable mining depends on trust, respect and continuous engagement.

He said mining companies must go beyond securing legal permits and conducting public relations campaigns to build genuine relationships with communities affected by their operations.

“Mining companies must therefore recognise that host communities are not obstacles to development; they are partners in development,” Mr Dwumfour said.

He was speaking at the National Mining Dialogue 2026 in Accra, held under the theme, “Rethinking the Social Licence to Operate.”

According to the GJA President, communities in mining areas are key stakeholders whose concerns and interests must be considered in decisions concerning mining operations and local development.

He stressed that regulatory approval alone could not guarantee community acceptance of mining activities.

“Social licence is not a public relations exercise. It is a relationship that must be built, respected and maintained,” he said.

Mr Dwumfour said mining companies must demonstrate through their actions that they respect the interests and wellbeing of host communities, rather than relying on occasional meetings or communication campaigns.

He acknowledged that mining can generate employment, business opportunities, infrastructure and other economic benefits, but noted that mining activities can also affect land, water resources, agriculture and traditional livelihoods.

He therefore said the wellbeing of communities must be considered integral to the success of mining operations.

Ghana must deepen expertise to take ownership of mineral resources – Prof. Mike Oquaye

LIVESTREAM: National Mining Dialogue 2026 underway in Accra [Watch]