MIIF CEO pushes for greater female participation in Mining Industry

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Justina Nelson, has called for greater gender inclusion, equity, and empowerment across Ghana’s mining sector, emphasizing that a more inclusive industry would enhance productivity, innovation, and governance.

Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of Women in Mining Ghana (WIM Ghana) in Accra, Nelson urged systemic change that ensures women are not only present in the mining industry but are also fully empowered to lead, influence, and thrive.

Commending WIM Ghana for a decade of advocacy, leadership development, and creating opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated sector, Nelson praised the organization for challenging stereotypes and amplifying women’s voices.

“Your work has helped shape national perceptions, opened doors that were once firmly shut, and strengthened women’s role in mining. MIIF salutes you,” she said.

Highlighting persistent gender gaps, Nelson cited Ghana Chamber of Mines data from 2023: women constitute just 9–10% of the large-scale mining workforce, 9% of contractors, 10% of junior-level roles, 14% of senior positions, and 21% of professional roles. She noted that while these figures are notable, they fall short of the representation needed for a truly equitable sector.

The MIIF CEO also discussed ongoing challenges women face in mining, including inequitable pay, gender bias, and harassment. Drawing on her own experience in office since early 2025, Nelson said she had faced false publications and malicious attacks, but emphasized resilience and mutual support among women in leadership.

“Let us hold and defend one another, for we are few at the top,” she told attendees, adding that she refuses to be distracted by negativity.

Nelson reaffirmed MIIF’s commitment to promoting inclusion and highlighted the Women from Mining Communities (WoMCom) Scholarship Scheme, which supports financially disadvantaged female STEM students. Over 90 young women from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, have benefited so far. Plans are underway to expand the scheme to universities in Ghana’s middle belt and northern regions in 2026, with support from corporate Ghana.

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

The MIIF CEO also acknowledged corporate Ghana for their support and encouraged continued collaboration to uplift more women in the mining space through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

In addition to promoting gender equity, Nelson highlighted the Fund’s achievements in mineral revenue collection, reporting significant growth for 2025 in the first three quarters:

• Large-scale gold mining: US$291.87 million in royalties — a 40.18% increase from 2024




• Mid-tier gold operations: GH¢59.44 million — 46.38% rise




• Manganese: US$12.75 million — 170% surge




• Quarry industry: GH¢13.15 million — 13.12% growth




• Sand mining: GH¢433,406.41 — 21.48% increase

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

Concluding her address, 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 said, congratulating WIM Ghana on its 10-year milestone and expressing hope for even greater transformation in the decade ahead.