Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), is set to represent the country at one of the world’s leading mining conferences, the Africa Down Under (ADU) Summit, which opens in Australia on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
The high-profile engagement will bring together policymakers, global mining executives, financiers, and development partners to deliberate on investment opportunities and strategies to advance Africa’s mining industry.
According to officials at the Ministry, Mr. Buah’s participation forms part of the government’s broader agenda to expand the country’s frontiers in mineral extraction and value addition.
“The Minister will use this global platform to showcase Ghana as a hub for responsible mining and investment, while also highlighting new opportunities in value addition and local participation.”
Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Director of Communications at the Lands Ministry
She added that beyond making a case for Ghana’s attractiveness, the summit will allow the Minister to deepen partnerships and forge new ones with international development partners.
“Engagements like ADU help Ghana secure the right kind of investment and technology transfer, while also reinforcing the message that Ghana is not only about gold production but is advancing into critical minerals, value addition, and sustainable mining practices.”
Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Director of Communications at the Lands Ministry
As part of Ghana’s delegation, the Lands Minister is expected to make a formal presentation highlighting why Ghana continues to stand out as Africa’s premier destination for mining investment.
His message will center on Ghana’s stable political climate, investor-friendly regulatory framework, and its reputation as the continent’s leading gold producer.
Positioning Ghana as Africa’s Mining Hub
Ghana has for decades been regarded as a mining powerhouse, particularly in gold production.
But officials say the new policy direction is aimed at building a more integrated mining sector, one that includes refining, processing, and industrial linkages that create jobs and wealth within the country.
Minister Buah is expected to emphasize that Ghana’s mining industry is not just a pillar of government revenue but also a driver of industrialization, employment, and local enterprise development.
“The mining sector is central to Ghana’s economy, but what we are pursuing now is a transformation agenda where mining catalyzes industrial growth, supports clean energy initiatives, and strengthens our communities.”
Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Director of Communications at the Lands Ministry
The government has already taken steps in this direction, including promoting community mining schemes, supporting the establishment of refineries, and incentivizing responsible exploration in critical minerals such as lithium, bauxite, and manganese.
The Africa Down Under Summit is widely recognized as the premier forum for Australia-Africa business and government relations, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
First launched in 2003, the summit was designed to raise awareness of Australia’s growing interests in African mining.
Over the years, the event has grown into the largest African-focused mining conference held outside the continent, attracting ministers, CEOs, and senior executives from across the globe.
The ADU also forms the principal pillar of “Africa Week,” Australia’s week-long celebration of its strong ties with African economies.
Delegation with a Purpose
The Minister’s delegation to Australia includes senior officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as well as representatives of the Minerals Commission.
Together, they are expected to engage with global mining giants, investors, and policymakers on issues ranging from financing, responsible mining practices, local content, and sustainability.
Industry watchers believe Ghana’s participation in ADU 2025 could be a game-changer, especially as the country seeks to diversify its mineral base beyond gold and attract investment into green energy-linked minerals.
For Minister Buah, the task is clear: to tell Ghana’s mining story with confidence and to position the country as the partner of choice for investors looking for both profitability and sustainability in Africa’s extractive sector.
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