MIIF CEO Calls for Gender Inclusion in Ghana's Mining Sector

• The CEO of MiIF, Justina Nelson, believes gender representation in Ghana’s mining industry needs to improve
• The significance is based on inclusion, equity, and empowerment of the mining value chain
• She argued a more inclusive industry would promote productivity and innovation

The CEO of the Minerals Income Investment Fund in Ghana, Justina Nelson, has emphasized gender equity and empowerment in the country’s mining sector because she believes an inclusive industry will promote enhanced production and governance.

She indicated that it was important to make sure not only were women part of the mining sector but were in a position to effectively contribute to it.

Justina delivered these in a keynote address during the 10th anniversary event of Women in Mining Ghana, which took place in Accra.

She praised WIM Ghana for an entire decade of work in carrying out activities such as advocacy, developing leadership, and creating opportunities for women in a male-dominated industry. She stated that WIM Ghana’s role had impacted negatively since it had changed people’s perception and given voice to women.

Justina referenced information obtained from the Ghana Chamber of Mines in 2023 to emphasize the existing gap in women’s representation in the mining sector.

She indicated that women make up approximately 9 to 10 percent of people in large-scale mining, 9 percent in contractor positions, 10 percent in junior positions, 14 percent in senior positions, and 21 percent in professional positions.

Justina also highlighted some of the issues women in the industry continued to face such as pay disparities, gender bias and harassment.

She also reiterated the commitment of MIIF to an inclusive mining sector and mentioned WoMCom, which offers a scholarship scheme to economically deprive female students studying STEM-related courses. The scheme has benefited over 90 students so far through the UMaT, Tarkwa.

"We intend to roll out the scheme in the middle belt and northern universities in 2026 with the support of our partners," she said.

Justina acknowledged the role of corporate Ghana in supporting initiatives aimed at increasing women's participation in mining and expressed hope for continued collaboration through corporate social responsibility programmes.

She also said there were increases in Ghana’s mineral royalty inflows for 2025, which she mentioned were due to increased regulatory compliance and investor confidence. Large-scale gold mining contributed US$291.87 million in royalties within the first three quarters of 2025 alone, representing a 40.18 percent increase from 2024.

Mid-tier gold mining recorded GH¢59.44 million, a growth of 46.38 percent, while manganese royalties shot up to US$12.75 million, representing a 170 percent increase. The quarry industry generated GH¢13.15 million, translating into growth of 13.12 percent, while sand mining recorded GH¢433,406.41, up by 21.48 percent.