On 24th February 2025, the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), under the leadership of Director-General Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, held a high-level stakeholder meeting to mediate and facilitate the resolution of an ongoing dispute involving a mining Joint Venture Company (JVC) and members of the local farming community. The meeting, which took place in Accra, brought together key officials from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The engagement was convened in response to tensions between the operations of the JVC and the concerns raised by local farmers affected by mining activities. Recognising the need for constructive dialogue, SIGA sought to provide a neutral platform for parties to explore sustainable and mutually beneficial solutions. The discussions focused on balancing the economic imperatives of the mining enterprise with the livelihoods and environmental interests of the surrounding communities.
During the meeting, stakeholders deliberated on the long-term implications of mining on agriculture and the environment, and considered measures to mitigate potential negative impacts. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that any agreed outcomes align with national priorities for economic development, environmental stewardship, and social equity.
The session forms part of SIGA’s broader mandate to promote good corporate governance and stakeholder collaboration across Specified Entities. By facilitating dialogue among key actors, SIGA reaffirmed its commitment to conflict resolution and responsible resource management, in support of national development goals.
