President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has announced a plan to eliminate raw mineral exports within five years to boost the national economy through increased local processing.
During the opening of the Minerals Commission's maiden Local Content Summit 2026 in Takoradi, Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama called for a transformation in how the country handles its natural resources. He emphasized that it's imperative for Ghana to stop exporting raw minerals, such as oil, and instead focus on refining and processing these materials locally. This shift is seen as crucial for reshaping the fiscal policy and enhancing economic development within the nation.
Mahama urged the establishment of local refineries and mining infrastructures that would support downstream processing of key minerals like bauxite, manganese, and lithium. He noted that promoting mineral-based industrial clusters will play a significant role in this transformation. This initiative comes against the backdrop of the global demand for processed minerals, with the intent to make Ghana not only a raw materials supplier but also a competitive player in the finished products market.
The President's speech aligns with a broader national agenda to foster indigenous growth and development in the mineral sector. By eliminating raw mineral exports, Ghana aims to build a resilient mining sector that can contribute significantly to the country's economy. The successful implementation of these plans could potentially lead to job creation, increased foreign investment, and a strengthened mining industry, paving the way for sustainable economic progress.
