By Valentia Tetteh
Ghana has positioned itself as Africa’s premier destination for ethical and profitable mining investment, unveiling billions of dollars in opportunities at the 23rd Africa Down Under Conference in Perth, Australia.
Addressing global investors and mining leaders, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said Ghana’s political stability, rich mineral endowment and strong governance structures make the country the most attractive hub for mining investment on the continent.
“You can invest in Ghana with confidence, knowing that your investments are protected by a stable political environment and a government that upholds the principles of good governance, including the rule of law and the sanctity of contracts,” he told delegates, noting that Ghana’s three decades of peaceful political transitions have earned it the reputation of being a beacon of democracy in Africa.
Highlighting Ghana’s credentials, the Minister pointed to its historic legacy as the Gold Coast, its current status as Africa’s leading gold producer, and over US$20 billion in accumulated mining investments.
He also underscored Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, citing the introduction of the Mineral Cadastre Administration System (MCAS), a transparent online platform designed to cut bureaucracy and fast-track approvals for mining licences.
Beyond gold, the Minister outlined investment-ready opportunities in other critical minerals essential for the global clean energy transition. He revealed that Ghana holds over 1.5 billion tonnes of iron ore resources and, through the Ghana Integrated Bauxite Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), is seeking private partners to develop integrated industries from mining to refining and smelting.
On lithium and base metals, he pointed to active exploration by Atlantic Lithium Limited, alongside prospects for cobalt, copper, nickel and zinc, all vital for battery and technology manufacturing.
“Ghana is not just about extracting resources,” Mr Buah stressed. “We are committed to a paradigm shift to a value-added approach.”
He explained that the government’s vision is to move beyond raw material exports to local processing, manufacturing and stronger linkages with other sectors of the economy to ensure mining wealth delivers tangible benefits to Ghanaians.
He concluded with an invitation to the global investment community, saying Ghana is seeking “partners who understand that mining is not just about extraction but also about transformation and shared value.”
