MIIF CEO Calls For Systemic Change To Empower Women In Mining

Ghana’s mining sector must undergo systemic transformation to ensure women are fully included, empowered, and able to lead, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mrs. Justina Nelson, has said.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary of Women in Mining Ghana (WIM Ghana) in Accra, Mrs. Nelson emphasised that true gender inclusion requires more than token representation, it demands structural reforms that enable women to influence decision-making, advance professionally and thrive in a historically male-dominated industry.

“A more inclusive mining sector will strengthen productivity, governance, and innovation,” she said, adding “Systemic change is necessary to ensure women are not only present, but empowered to shape the future of our mineral-driven economy.”

Building on a Decade of Progress

Mrs. Nelson commended WIM Ghana for 10 years of advocacy, leadership development and creating pathways for women.

“Your work has challenged stereotypes, amplified women’s voices and opened doors that were once firmly shut,” she said.

Despite these gains, gender gaps persist. Citing Ghana Chamber of Mines 2023 data, she noted that women account for 9–10% of large-scale mining staff, 9% of contractors, 10% of junior-level roles, 14% of senior positions, and 21% of professional roles.

“These figures highlight the urgent need for systemic change,” she said, pointing to ongoing challenges including inequitable pay, gender bias, and harassment. Drawing on her own experience at MIIF, she added “I have faced false publications and malicious attacks for putting things in their right perspective.

“I stand here not as a victim, but as a woman determined to lead. Let us hold and defend one another, for we are few at the top.”

Scholarships and Structural Support

To foster systemic change, MIIF has launched initiatives such as the Women from Mining Communities (WoMCom) Scholarship Scheme, which provides financial support for female STEM students from mining communities.

Over 90 students at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, have already benefited, and MIIF plans to expand the program to universities in Ghana’s middle belt and northern regions in 2026, in collaboration with corporate Ghana and development partners.

“Our goal is to ensure that women from mining communities are not left behind in Ghana’s mineral-driven transformation,” she said.

Empowering a Growing Sector

Mrs Nelson also highlighted that Ghana’s mining sector is experiencing significant growth, reinforcing the importance of including women in its expansion.

For the first three quarters of 2025, MIIF recorded US$291.87 million in royalties from large-scale gold operations, a 40.18% increase from 2024, while mid-tier gold operations contributed GH?59.44 million, up 46.38%.

Manganese royalties surged 170% to US$12.75 million, quarry operations rose 13.12% to GH?13.15 million, and sand mining increased 21.48% to GH?433,406.

“These figures demonstrate that Ghana’s mineral sector can grow robustly while implementing systemic reforms to empower women,” she said.

Mrs. Nelson concluded with a call to action: “As MIIF continues to secure Ghana’s mineral revenues, we are ready to partner with Women in Mining Ghana to build a sector where gender does not limit potential. True transformation requires systemic change, and together, we can make it happen.”

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