Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged international investors to confidently choose Ghana as their premier mining destination, highlighting the country’s political stability and vast mineral wealth at the 23rd Africa Down Under Conference.
In his address in Perth, Australia on Thursday September 4, the minister declared that Ghana’s long-standing reputation as Africa’s leading gold producer, coupled with over $20 billion in accumulated mining investments, makes it an ideal place for business.
“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 stressed while highlighting Ghana’s three decades of peaceful political transition, making it ‘the beacon of democracy in Africa’.
Beyond its gold heritage, Armah Buah revealed significant opportunities in critical minerals essential for the global clean energy transition. He announced that the government, through the Ghana Integrated Bauxite Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), is actively seeking private partners to develop integrated industries from mining to refining and smelting. Ghana holds over 1.5 billion tonnes of iron ore resources, presenting a significant opportunity for investors.
The minister also confirmed recent discoveries of lithium and other key base metals, including cobalt, copper, nickel, and zinc, which are vital for battery and technology manufacturing. He noted that active lithium exploration is already underway by Atlantic Lithium Limited, signaling the country’s potential in this area.
Kofi Buah underscored Ghana’s commitment to a new mining paradigm focused on adding value, not just extracting raw resources. He articulated a vision of building local processing and manufacturing capacity to ensure that mining wealth generates tangible benefits for the nation and its communities. He also highlighted advancements in streamlining the mining sector, such as the digital Mineral Cadastre Administration System (MCAS), which accelerates license approvals and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
In his concluding remarks, the minister issued a strong invitation to the global investment community to prioritize Ghana. He called for “partners who understand that mining is not just about extraction but also about transformation and shared value,” reinforcing the country’s commitment to creating a mutually beneficial environment for investors and its citizens.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
