By Amoako Kwame
President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that government is putting measures in place to move the country higher up the value chain of the mining sector.
The President indicated that although Ghana is prolific in producing and exporting minerals, the country is still low on the global value chain due to limited involvement in refining and processing of minerals.
Speaking at the 2026 Mining Sector Local Content Summit, President Mahama questioned the future of the mining sector and stated that Ghana could leave a stronger legacy in the global mining industry.
“What will be the true legacy of Ghana’s vast mineral wealth? One hundred years from now, will it be recorded only in export statistics and royalty payments, or remembered as the foundation on which we build world-class industries, thriving Ghanaian enterprises, and resilient mining communities?” he said.
He further explained that the government is refining regulatory frameworks of the mining sector, among other steps, to move up the mining value chain.
“Smart, enforceable, and forward-looking local content policies do not deter investment. They create sustainable competitiveness. The key is balance: such policies must be both ambitious and practical; they must be firm but also performance-based. Local content must evolve from transactional procurement to transformational partnerships. This government is reviewing and refining our mining legislation and regulatory frameworks to ensure that Ghanaian enterprises move up the mining value chain, from suppliers of consumables to manufacturers of critical components, from service providers to innovators,” he added.
Ghana produces commercial quantities of gold, bauxite, manganese, diamonds, and iron ore; however, the mining sector is dominated by gold production, as the country is the highest gold producer in Africa.
Fitch Solutions estimated that Ghana’s mining industry was valued at approximately US$8.66bn in 2023 and projected an increase to US$9.15bn by the end of 2024. However, by the close of 2024, the sector exceeded these projections, reaching a total valuation of US$11.6bn.
