The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged global mining firms to invest in Ghana, describing Ghana as the most attractive and competitive mining destination in Africa.
He made the call on Tuesday at the 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) held in New York.
Participants at the forum included senior representatives of leading mining companies, officials from the Minerals Commission, prospective international investors and Ghana High Commissioner to the United States, Victor Smith.
He noted that Ghana remains Africa’s leading gold producer and ranks sixth globally, while also expanding into critical minerals needed for the global energy transition.
The Minister presented Ghana’s “Reset Agenda,” describing it as a strategic framework to reposition the country as Africa’s foremost mining investment destination.
He said, “Ghana’s political stability, its investor-friendly environment, and its vast deposits of gold, bauxite, manganese, diamonds, iron ore, lithium, cobalt, and nickel are key competitive advantages.”
He further noted that Ghana’s hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat offers investors strategic access to a unified market of more than 1.3 billion people.
The Minister drew attention to the legal and institutional frameworks underlining Ghana’s mining sector. He cited the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, which guarantees stability agreements, contract sanctity, tax incentives and protection against retroactive policy changes.
He said the government has introduced major reforms to improve the investment climate, including the removal of the 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on exploration activities, the abolition of the one per cent COVID-19 levy, and the reduction of the Growth and Sustainability Levy.
“We are streamlining regulations, enhancing transparency, and reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana,” he stated.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s mining sector has attracted more than US$20 billion in investment over the past two decades, with major operators including Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Zijin Mining, and Perseus Mining.
He said beyond gold, the government is pursuing diversification into lithium, iron ore, bauxite and industrial minerals.
He said plans are also underway to establish domestic gold and lithium refineries with London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) certification to increase local value addition.
On the issue of illegal mining, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the challenge through the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme to formalise community mining and create responsible investment opportunities.
He invited ethical and innovative investors to partner with Ghana in building a sustainable mining economy.
“The opportunities in Ghana’s mining sector are significant, and the investment climate remains stable,” he said.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
