The Minerals Development Fund (MDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable development in mining communities across Ghana in 2026.
Established under Act 912, the MDF is mandated to support the growth and development of communities affected by mining activities. In a New Year message, the Administrator of the Fund, Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw-Kotei, assured stakeholders of the Fund’s continued dedication to fulfilling its mandate.
“We remain committed to protecting our environment and ensuring that Ghana’s mineral resources drive sustainable development in mining communities and beyond,” Dr. Bisiw-Kotei stated.
She further noted that in 2026, the Fund is seeking to strengthen partnerships aimed at improving livelihoods and creating lasting impact in mining areas. “May the New Year bring renewed hope, stronger partnerships, and greater impact to benefit our mining communities,” she added.
**Addressing the Impact of Illegal Mining**
Illegal mining activities have had severe consequences for many mining communities, threatening lives, livelihoods, and the environment. The MDF has intensified efforts to restore affected communities and mitigate the impact of these activities.
One key focus area for 2026 is the protection of children and the improvement of education in mining communities. Last year, the Fund donated educational materials to pupils of Atatam D/A Basic School, an initiative that was warmly welcomed by both students and residents.
Prior to the intervention, the school had been surrounded by illegal mining operations, which disrupted teaching and learning due to constant noise from excavators. Pupils were also exposed to dangerous open pits and harmful heavy metals. Following MDF’s intervention, the illegal activities were halted, pits were covered, and safety measures were put in place to protect students.
The Fund has identified other schools and institutions facing similar challenges and has earmarked them for intervention in 2026.
**Land Reclamation and Safety Measures**
Through the MDF, several small-scale miners have begun reclaiming degraded lands following an initiative encouraging voluntary reclamation. In the Ashanti Region alone, 15 deaths were recorded in reported cases of pit collapses, highlighting the dangers of abandoned mining pits.
As a result, the Fund has resolved to take action against individuals who leave mining pits uncovered. While some affected communities have already been restored, the MDF plans to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts in 2026 to prevent further incidents.
**Sustainable Mining Initiative**
The MDF has also launched an environmentally sustainable mining initiative aimed at reducing land and water degradation associated with small-scale mining. The programme promotes the use of green technologies and mercury-free gold processing methods.
The initiative was piloted in the Ahafo Region and, following its success, the Fund plans to roll it out to other mining communities across the country in 2026.
Through these interventions, the Minerals Development Fund aims to promote responsible mining practices while ensuring that mining communities benefit meaningfully from Ghana’s mineral resources.
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