MIIF Boss Pushes Women Empowerment In Mining Sector

Ghana’s mining sector continues to face a significant gender gap, with women underrepresented in almost every area of the industry, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mrs. Justina Nelson, urging more women to participate in Ghana’s mining industry.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary of Women in Mining Ghana (WIM Ghana) in Accra, Mrs Nelson said her call for deeper gender inclusion, equity, and empowerment is aimed at creating a mining sector where women can fully lead, influence, and thrive. She stressed that a more inclusive sector will not only advance gender equity but also strengthen productivity, innovation, and governance within the country’s mining ecosystem.

Using the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ 2023 data, Mrs Nelson pointed out the persistent gaps in women’s participation in mining, noting that women account for 9–10% of the large-scale mining workforce, 9% of the contractor workforce, 10% of junior-level roles, 14% of senior positions, and 21% of professional roles.

She said, “These are interesting figures, but they are far from where we need to be.” Mrs Nelson highlighted the critical challenges women continue to face in the mining industry, including inequitable earnings, gender bias, and harassment.

Drawing on her own experience since assuming office at MIIF earlier this year, she revealed, “I have been bombarded with false publications and malicious attacks simply for putting things in their right perspective.

I stand here today not as a victim, but as a woman who refuses to be distracted. Let us hold and defend one another for we are few at the top.”

Mrs Nelson reiterated MIIF’s commitment to an inclusive and progressive mining sector. She mentioned the Women from Mining Communities (WoMCom) Scholarship Scheme, which supports brilliant but financially needy female STEM students. Over 90 young women from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, have already benefited.

She said that MIIF will work to expand the scheme to universities in the middle belt and northern Ghana in 2026, depending on support from corporate Ghana, stating, “Our goal is to ensure that women from mining communities are not left behind in Ghana’s mineral-driven transformation.”

The MIIF Boss commended corporate Ghana for their support and expressed hope that they will continue to collaborate with the Fund to uplift more women into the mining space as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Mrs Nelson reported significant improvements in Ghana’s mineral royalty inflows for 2025, showing strengthened regulatory compliance and investor confidence. She highlighted that large-scale gold mining generated US$291.87 million in royalties, a 40.18% increase from 2024, mid-tier gold operations brought in GH₵59.44 million, a 46.38% rise, manganese earned US$12.75 million, a 170% surge, the quarry industry recorded GH₵13.15 million, a 13.12% growth, and sand mining generated GH₵433,406.41, a 21.48% increase.

She stated, “These figures underscore strong momentum in Ghana’s mineral revenue outlook.”

Mrs Nelson urged stakeholders to build a mining sector where women are respected, safe, visible, and empowered.

“As MIIF continues to secure Ghana’s mineral revenues, we stand ready to partner with Women in Mining Ghana to champion a future where gender does not limit potential,” she empowered.

She congratulated WIM Ghana on its 10-year milestone, commending them for their “courage, resilience, and vision.” Acoording to her, the organisation has championed advocacy, leadership development, and opportunities for women in a historically male-dominated industry.

Mrs. Nelson expressed hope that the next decade will bring even greater transformation for women in the industry. She added, “Your work has helped shape national perceptions, amplified women’s voices, challenged stereotypes, and opened doors that were once firmly shut. MIIF salutes you.”