By: Ghana broadcasting corporation

Ghana has unveiled a bold new vision for Africa’s mining sector, placing sustainability, ethical governance, and shared value at the center of investment opportunities. This was the message delivered by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, at the Africa Down Under (ADU) 2025 Conference in Perth, Australia.

Addressing global investors and mining leaders, Mr. Buah said Ghana’s mining future will be built on a model that balances profitability with responsibility. “We seek more than capital,” he declared. “We are open to ethical, innovative partners committed to long-term value creation—partners who understand that mining is not just about extraction, but about transformation and shared value.” The Minister outlined three pillars of Ghana’s new mining vision.

On environmental stewardship, he acknowledged the challenges posed by illegal artisanal mining, known as “galamsey,” but stressed that robust reforms are underway. These reforms, he said, focus on “enhancing transparency, enforcing regulations, and aligning with global sustainability standards to protect our environment and communities.”

On ethical governance and transparency, Mr. Buah highlighted Ghana’s active role in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the Kimberley Process, and the African Mining Vision (AMV). “We refuse to rest on our oars,” he noted, underscoring that good governance is an ongoing journey.

On shared value, he emphasized that mining must benefit both the nation and its people. Key initiatives include the Local Content and Value Addition agenda and community development programmes designed to ensure wealth from mining directly improves livelihoods.

Linking Ghana’s mineral wealth to the global energy transition, the Minister also drew attention to investment opportunities in lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper—critical minerals for renewable energy and battery technology. He assured investors that Ghana offers ethically sourced materials to power the world’s clean energy future.

Delegates described the intervention as a benchmark for Africa, showcasing that the continent is actively shaping the terms of engagement in global mining through sustainability and mutual benefit.