In a speech at the 28th China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin, Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah‑Kofi Buah, urged Chinese investors to shift from merely exporting raw minerals to building processing facilities, transferring technology, and developing local supply chains in Ghana.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama, Buah said Ghana seeks a new generation of mining partnerships that keep more value within the country while offering investors a stable and commercially viable environment. He highlighted the need for the mining sector to drive industrialisation, create jobs, and build local expertise rather than continue exporting raw materials.
Buah stressed that the next chapter of mining should be measured by what is left above the ground—industries, skills, technology, restored land, stronger communities, and a more prosperous nation. He called for partnerships that support domestic processing, industrial development, job creation, and skills training, especially for young Ghanaians.
The minister also announced that Ghana is reviewing its mining regulatory framework, formalising artisanal and small‑scale mining, and strengthening transparency and responsible oversight across the gold value chain. He cited the presence of major Chinese mining firms such as Chifeng Gold Group, Shandong Gold and Zijin Mining as evidence of potential for deeper cooperation.
Buah highlighted the importance of environmental management and modern technologies, urging collaboration in mine reclamation, tailings management, and land restoration. He noted Ghana’s efforts to modernise its national geological database and improve digital traceability across the gold supply chain, which he said would reduce exploration risks and aid investor decision‑making.
He outlined areas where China’s expertise—automation, geological science, mineral processing, data systems, engineering and infrastructure—could support Ghana’s transition to more intelligent mining. Buah also emphasized the need for technology partnerships to build local capacity, calling for structured technical exchanges and mining‑specific training for Ghanaian engineers, geologists and regulators.
Ghana’s participation in CHINA MINING 2026 is also being used to showcase investment opportunities through Ghana Mining Day, themed “Building Ghana’s Next Frontier: Geology, Value Addition and Investment Partnership.” Buah identified gold refining, an integrated aluminium industry, iron ore development and critical minerals as key areas for Ghana’s next phase of mineral development.
He urged Chinese investors and international mining companies to view Ghana as a strategic destination for long‑term investment, noting that the partnership could create more value at home, benefit communities, and strengthen both countries. The minister concluded that Ghana’s objective is to ensure mining generates lasting benefits beyond the lifespan of individual mines.
