The Minerals Commission has disclosed that Ghana is working towards ending the export of unrefined gold by 2030, as part of a broader strategy to retain more value from the country’s mineral resources and deepen domestic industrialisation.
Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, outlined the ambition during a courtesy call on the British High Commission in Accra, where discussions focused on strengthening Ghana–UK cooperation and promoting responsible and sustainable investment in the mining sector.
Mr Tandoh said the policy direction forms part of the government’s broader value-addition agenda, aimed at ensuring that more of the economic benefits associated with Ghana’s mineral resources remain within the country.
He also highlighted proposed regulatory reforms to the mining sector, including plans to reduce the tenure of mining leases from 30 years to 20 years.
According to the Minerals Commission CEO, the proposed change is intended to create a fit-for-purpose legal framework that protects Ghana’s national interests while maintaining the certainty and safeguards required by investors.
The discussions also focused on strengthening local content and Ghanaian participation across the mining value chain.
Mr Tandoh reiterated the government’s commitment to creating greater opportunities for Ghanaian businesses, professionals and mining communities to participate meaningfully in the sector and benefit from the exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
He further stressed Ghana’s interest in strengthening trade relations with the United Kingdom, with responsible investment expected to remain an important component of cooperation between the two countries.
The British High Commission welcomed the regulatory updates and expressed continued support for responsible and sustainable investment in Ghana’s minerals sector.
The engagement forms part of efforts by the Minerals Commission to deepen cooperation with international partners while pursuing reforms aimed at balancing investor confidence, increased Ghanaian participation and greater domestic value addition in the mining industry.
