Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yussif Sulemana, has called for a bold shift in the country’s mining industry from the traditional “dig and ship” model to a value-added and technology-driven future that ensures prosperity for all Ghanaians.
Delivering his address at the maiden edition of the Mining and Minerals Convention at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Deputy Minister set out a vision of mining as a tool not only for government revenue but for inclusive development, industrialization, and national transformation.
Opening his remarks, Hon. Sulemana paid tribute to eight Ghanaians who recently lost their lives in a helicopter crash, describing them as patriots who sacrificed for the nation’s mining vision.
“Their demise must remain a constant reminder of our shared vision,” he said, as he invited participants to rise and observe a minute of silence in their honor. He noted that their memory should serve as a rallying point for the mining sector to remain united in building a legacy of prosperity.
Tracing Ghana’s history, Hon. Sulemana reflected on the country’s deep connection with gold and mineral wealth.
“Ghana’s gold story began long before the world knew our name. From the ancient trade routes of Wangara merchants to the colonial designation of the Gold Coast, our land has always whispered the promise of wealth”.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yussif Sulemana
Mining, he added, continues to serve as the bedrock of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to revenue, foreign exchange, and employment creation. He reminded participants that Ghana remains Africa’s largest gold producer and the sixth globally, achievements that highlight both the scale of the country’s resources and its place in the global mining industry.
Mr. Sulemana further pointed to the presence of some of the world’s leading mining firms such as Newmont, Goldfields, AngloGold Ashanti, and, more recently, Xinjin, which have all invested in Ghana.
According to him, their operations demonstrate the country’s attractiveness as a mining destination, grounded in the rule of law and stable partnerships with international investors.
Value Addition
But the Deputy Minister emphasized that the government’s ambition is to move beyond Ghana’s longstanding reliance on the export of raw gold. He declared that the time has come for the nation to add value to its mineral resources by investing in downstream processing and refining.
“This is a paradigm shift beyond the colonial dig and ship model to a value-added approach. Our vision is clear. Ghana must transform from being primarily an exporter of raw materials to a hub for value addition.”
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yussif Sulemana
He explained that this transformation is not only about boosting economic gains but also about ensuring that the benefits of mining reach all Ghanaians.
“We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of Ghana’s mineral wealth are felt not only by investors but, more importantly, by the ordinary Ghanaian—our youth, our women, and our mining communities”.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yussif Sulemana
For Hon. Sulemana, the new direction requires large-scale mining companies to expand their commitments by investing in downstream industries, mentoring Ghanaian businesses, and exceeding both environmental and social obligations.
Turning to the small-scale mining sector, the Deputy Minister described the government as a partner in ensuring that their operations are both legal and sustainable.
“To our small-scale miners, the government is your partner. Let us work together to make small-scale mining a proud, legal and environmentally sustainable profession”.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yussif Sulemana
He acknowledged the vital role artisanal and small-scale miners play in Ghana’s gold exports, while stressing the importance of regulation, environmental care, and community development.
Hon. Sulemana also underscored the role of technology and digital innovation in the government’s vision for mining. He announced that Ghana is embracing digital transformation through equipment tracking, mineral traceability, monitoring, and governance systems, supported by FinTech-enabled solutions.
These digital tools, he said, would secure greater transparency in the sector, build trust among stakeholders, and boost investor confidence. “This digital leap will secure unprecedented transparency and bolster investor confidence,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister was equally emphatic about the role of financial institutions, technology investors, and civil society in shaping the mining sector’s future.
He urged financiers to channel capital into local processing facilities and refineries, while calling on civil society and academia to contribute ideas and innovations.
“Your capital and your creativity are the fuel for this transformation. Invest in our processing facilities and refineries and help us build a modern, sustainable industry of the future”.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yussif Sulemana
Throughout his speech, Hon. Sulemana emphasized partnership and inclusivity, noting that the task ahead of Ghana is both immense and promising.
“The task ahead of us is huge, but the opportunity is even greater. Ghana’s mineral wealth must become the backbone of a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive economy”.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yussif Sulemana
He called on all stakeholders to embrace a common vision of mining as a catalyst for industrialization, infrastructure development, and community empowerment.
Concluding his remarks, the Deputy Minister thanked participants for their commitment and reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure that the mining sector becomes a legacy of prosperity rather than a source of inequality.
“Together, we can ensure that Ghana’s gold is not just a resource beneath our soil, but a legacy of prosperity for our people”.
Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yussif Sulemana
On behalf of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and President John Dramani Mahama, he expressed hope that the Mining and Minerals Convention would deliver transformative outcomes for Ghana’s economy and people.
