Parliament of Ghana has passed the Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2026, reducing the levy imposed on gold mining companies from 3 per cent of gross production to 1 per cent.
The amendment forms part of government efforts to cushion mining firms following the introduction of the Minerals and Mining Royalty Regulations, 2025, which introduces a new royalty framework for the sector.
Officials say the change is intended to balance the financial impact of the new regulatory regime while ensuring Ghana continues to benefit from its natural resources.
Government defends policy adjustment.
During parliamentary deliberations, Deputy Minister for Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem explained that the levy reduction is designed to offset potential cost pressures that may arise from the new royalty system.
“We don’t make laws to suit individuals. We are bringing this change so that Ghana can take maximum advantage of its natural resources.” - Deputy Minister for Finance Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
According to him, the policy adjustment is aimed at ensuring fairness for both investors and citizens.
“We all know that we have been blessed with gold. Over the years, we haven’t taken enough advantage of this resource,” he said, adding that the arrangement “will make it fair to mining companies, and it will also make it fair to Ghanaians who are the owners of this natural resource.”
Sliding-scale royalty system introduced
The new regulatory framework introduces a sliding-scale royalty structure that allows rates to adjust in response to movements in international gold prices. This means the state could earn higher revenues during periods of strong commodity prices.
However, the amendment has faced criticism from the Minority Caucus of Parliament, which warned that the broader regulatory changes could negatively affect the mining sector.
Opposition lawmakers argue that the new royalty regime could make Ghana less attractive to investors and potentially threaten jobs in the industry.
Despite the concerns, government officials say the revised levy and royalty framework is designed to strengthen revenue mobilisation from the extractive sector while maintaining a competitive environment for mining companies operating in Ghana.
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