Ghana has positioned itself as the premier destination for ethical and profitable mining investment in Africa, with Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah making a powerful case to the global mining community at the 23rd Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth, Australia.
Addressing an audience of international investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, Mr. Buah emphasized Ghana’s long-standing credentials as Africa’s top gold producer and its proven track record as a stable and reliable partner for mining investment.
“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,”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The Minister further noted that Ghana’s three decades of peaceful democratic transitions have made the country “the beacon of democracy in Africa.”
Highlighting Ghana’s historic reputation as the Gold Coast, Mr. Buah said the country has attracted more than USD 20 billion in accumulated mining investment over the past decades, making it a pillar of Africa’s resource-driven economies.
But he was quick to add that Ghana is not just a gold story. The Minister told delegates that the country offers enormous untapped opportunities in critical minerals vital for the global clean energy transition.
He said, “We are committed to a paradigm shift to a value-added approach,” stressing that Ghana seeks investors who understand mining as not only resource extraction but also transformation and shared value creation.
Bauxite, iron ore, and the clean energy future
On the sidelines of gold, the Minister outlined ambitious plans for developing integrated industries in bauxite and iron ore through state-backed entities such as the Ghana Integrated Bauxite Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC).
According to him, Ghana holds over 1.5 billion tonnes of iron ore resources and is actively seeking private partners to build smelting, refining, and processing capacity.
This, he said, would help position Ghana as a regional hub for industrial metals critical to Africa’s infrastructure growth and energy transition.
On lithium and other base metals, Mr. Buah confirmed that exploration is well underway, citing the work of Atlantic Lithium Limited in the Central Region and promising geological prospects for cobalt, copper, nickel, and zinc—all essential for global battery and technology manufacturing.
Investment-ready environment
In addition to Ghana’s natural resource base, the Minister emphasized the country’s thriving ecosystem of over 200 engineering and service companies and more than 500 active exploration projects, which he described as evidence of a dynamic and resilient mining landscape.
He added that Ghana’s government is committed to modernizing the regulatory environment, pointing to the introduction of the Mineral Cadastre Administration System (MCAS), which digitizes and streamlines license applications to eliminate bureaucracy and ensure transparency.
“Mining investors can now benefit from accelerated approvals and a more efficient system that fosters predictability and confidence.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
At the heart of Ghana’s pitch was the commitment to shared prosperity and value addition.
The Minister told the conference that Ghana aims to move away from the traditional model of raw mineral exports towards developing local processing capacity, manufacturing industries, and stronger linkages to other economic sectors.
He extended an invitation to the international investment community, urging them to prioritize Ghana in their portfolios.
“We are looking for partners who understand that mining is not just about extraction but also about transformation and shared value.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The ADU Conference, a key platform for showcasing African mining opportunities to the Australian and global investment community, provided Ghana with an opportunity to reinforce its image as a top-tier mining destination.
As the world transitions towards renewable energy and sustainable supply chains, Mr. Buah underscored that Ghana’s combination of vast mineral wealth, stable governance, and commitment to responsible mining practices makes it a strategic partner for investors seeking both profitability and sustainability.
With a clear focus on transparency, partnership, and long-term development, Ghana is looking to turn its resource wealth into a driver of national prosperity and a model for ethical mining in Africa.
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