BY Daniel Bampoe
The growing concerns over environmental degradation from mining activities have once again come into focus, but this time with a contrasting narrative, as the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Science and Technology commended Akyem Mine for what it described as strong environmental stewardship and sustainable mining practices.
The commendation followed an oversight visit by the Committee to the Akyem Mine, operated by Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, as part of Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to ensure that extractive sector players comply with environmental regulations while contributing to sustainable development.
Chairman of the Committee, Yaw Frimpong Addo, indicated that the team was satisfied with what it observed on the ground, particularly the company’s environmental management systems and operational discipline.
According to him, both technical briefings and physical inspections of mining and waste disposal areas showed a company that is largely adhering to established environmental protocols.
He noted that the general state of the mine’s environment reflected a conscious effort by management to operate responsibly, adding that the Committee’s initial assessment points to near full compliance with environmental readiness standards required for mining operations in Ghana.
A key highlight of the visit was the company’s land reclamation programme, which the Committee said has exceeded expectations.
The mine has reportedly gone beyond its initial forest reclamation target of 303 hectares, a development the Committee described as significant given ongoing national debates about land degradation caused by mining.
The Committee also took note of the company’s decision to extend its reclamation and biodiversity initiatives beyond its immediate operational boundaries into the Atewa Forest landscape.
The lawmakers described this broader ecological approach as commendable, stressing that such efforts could help mitigate the long-term environmental impact of mining in sensitive ecological zones.
Central to these efforts is the Zijin Atewa Biodiversity Offset Project, a 10-year conservation initiative being implemented in partnership with the Forestry Commission of Ghana.
The project is being touted as Ghana’s first large-scale mining biodiversity offset programme, aimed at balancing ecological disruption with conservation investments.
Ranking Member of the Committee, Hamza Adam, highlighted the company’s steps toward reducing its carbon footprint, pointing to the installation of solar energy systems and the adoption of electric vehicles within its operations.
He described these interventions as forward-looking and consistent with global efforts to transition toward greener mining practices.
Prof. Adam further praised the company’s performance in local content development, noting that a significant proportion of the workforce is made up of Ghanaians.
He said this reflects a deliberate effort to ensure that mining activities translate into employment opportunities for citizens, particularly in host communities.
Despite the positive assessment, the Committee urged the company to maintain and strengthen its environmental standards as production expands, warning that sustaining compliance over the life cycle of the mine is critical to preserving both ecological integrity and public trust.
Management of Akyem Mine, operated by Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining, stating that environmental protection, local value creation and operational excellence remain central to its long-term strategy.
Zijin Golden Ridge Limited began operations in Ghana in April 2025 and has since emerged as a significant player in the sector, reporting an economic contribution of over GHS 7 billion within its first year.
The company’s performance continues to draw attention as Ghana navigates the balance between mineral resource exploitation and environmental sustainability.
