At the opening ceremony of the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit in Accra, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, delivered a powerful keynote address that challenged the global mining establishment to rethink the structure of the industry and promote a more equitable value chain for resource-rich nations, especially in Africa.
Describing gold and other precious metals as part of humanity’s shared heritage, the King of the Asante Kingdom drew from both history and scripture to emphasize the enduring importance of mineral wealth.
“The book of Genesis tells us, ‘and the gold of the land is good’—and so it has been throughout every epoch of human civilization.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
Yet, Otumfuo was quick to point out that despite Africa’s mineral abundance, the continent continues to receive a disproportionately low share of the global mining value chain.
He criticized the prevailing global economic structure that places the high-value segments of mineral processing and manufacturing in already wealthy countries, while producer nations are relegated to raw material suppliers.
“What we proudly record in our statistics is only a fraction of the true value of the resources we deliver to the market.
“We are painfully excluded from the juicy portion of the value chain.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
He warned that this entrenched inequity is unsustainable and could become a catalyst for broader social unrest if not urgently addressed.
Call for a Paradigm Shift
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II proposed a bold new vision for transforming the mining industry, calling on global gold markets—from London to Dubai, Zurich to Brussels—to invest directly in manufacturing infrastructure within producing countries like Ghana.
He argued that value addition in Africa would not only boost local economies but also contribute to long-term market stability.
“If the titans of the market invest in partnerships in producer countries, we can establish industries that add value to our resources.
“An economically strengthened Africa can only be a bullwhip for global market stability.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
He urged investors, particularly those in the international finance community, to shift away from viewing Africa through the lens of risk and instead recognize the immense opportunity in building resilient and productive partnerships across the continent.
“What has occupied my mind is the necessity for a reversal through genuine collaboration rather than disengagement.
“The mining sector, with its long history of cooperation, can be the vanguard of mutual trust and shared prosperity.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
While advocating for industrial transformation, the King also emphasized responsible mining practices.
He acknowledged that resource extraction inevitably impacts the environment but insisted that modern mining must adhere to best practices that prioritize community welfare and sustainability.
“We must protect the environment and ensure that mining is not only efficient but fair—offering greater benefits to affected communities.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
His comments resonated with stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society attending the summit, many of whom have been calling for a more inclusive and sustainable mining sector in Africa.
Regional Unity and Global Engagement
Otumfuo’s address also served as a rallying cry for African leaders and policymakers to engage collectively on global platforms and assert the continent’s interests. He stressed that Africa must no longer be content with being on the periphery of the global mining conversation.
“This is the moment for West Africa to move from the periphery to the center of the global mining and energy conversation.
“We can no longer export raw materials while importing poverty.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
He called on African governments to harmonize mining policies, enhance local capacity, and pursue integrated strategies that unlock the full potential of the continent’s resources.
Otumfuo’s speech was a clear and passionate plea for structural change, emphasizing that global prosperity depends on the inclusion of Africa in value creation and equitable development.
“We owe it to ourselves, to the industry we love, and to posterity to move the dial in a new direction.
“Let us work together to herald a new era of equity and shared prosperity.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
As the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit continues, the Asantehene’s remarks are expected to shape high-level discussions on mining investment, value addition, and sustainability—not just in Ghana, but across Africa.
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