Ghana To Eliminate Raw Ore Exports Within Five Years – President

The President of the Republic has announced plans to eliminate Ghana’s raw ore exports within the next five years as part of a broader strategy to deepen local participation and promote value addition in the country’s extractive sector.

He made this declaration at the 2026 Local Content Summit organized by the Minerals Commission under the theme “Strengthening Local Content and Indigenization: Building a Resilient Mining Sector in Ghana.”

Addressing policymakers, industry leaders, and local entrepreneurs, the President stated that although Ghana has been a prolific producer of mineral resources, the country has not yet become a full participant in the extractive value chain.

“This summit is about closing that gap,” he said.

According to the President, Ghana can no longer afford to export raw ore while importing finished mineral products at a higher cost.

He stressed the urgent need to establish refineries and bullion infrastructure to retain more value within the country.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening local procurement and industrial partnerships within the mining industry.

According to the Minister, the Minerals Commission has developed a Local Procurement Policy Framework aimed at promoting meaningful Ghanaian participation in the sector not as an afterthought, but as a strategic imperative.

Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah also issued a strong caution against fronting arrangements, where foreign firms use Ghanaian companies as mere cover while retaining control and profits.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Andrews Tandoh, on his part announced sweeping reforms to ensure the country derives maximum benefit from its mineral resources.

He revealed that the Commission is introducing a new royalty regime designed to capture greater value for the state during periods of high commodity prices.

Story by Nana Fynn@W/R.