Accra: The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has expressed his support for the call by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for increased local control over mining operations in Ghana. He emphasized the importance of empowering Ghanaian companies and individuals to manage these operations to foster economic growth and lessen reliance on foreign assistance. According to Ghana Web, Ansah Opoku highlighted in an interview with The 1957 News, shared on X on May 13, 2026, that Ghana's natural resources should primarily benefit its citizens. He noted that Ghana has turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for assistance seventeen times over the past four decades, receiving varying amounts of aid. Yet, the country's natural resources have the potential to generate significant profits annually, which are currently benefiting foreign companies. Ansah Opoku further observed the current scenario where foreign-owned large-scale mining concessions are predominantly operated by Ghanaians. He advocated for granting mining concessions to Ghanaians who possess the technical and financial capabilities to manage them. He urged that discussions around this issue should be devoid of political biases to ensure that the country as a whole benefits. He stressed the need for a structured framework that allows capable Ghanaians to manage these opportunities effectively. This, he believes, will ensure that Ghana's resources are utilized to their full potential for the benefit of its people.