Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced on Thursday that Ghana will refine at least 70 per cent of its artisanal and small‑scale mining gold locally by December 2027. The target was presented during the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy briefing to Parliament on November 12.
Forson said the move is part of a broader push to reduce the export of raw resources and create jobs, transfer technology and spur industrial development. He added that the government plans to reach 100 per cent local refining by December 2028, when raw artisanal gold exports would be prohibited.
The initiative falls under a US$1.5 billion investment programme, Pillar Four, which seeks to build an industrial minerals economy around manganese, bauxite, lithium and gold. The investment will be evaluated on value retained in Ghana, export earnings per tonne, skilled jobs created, participation of Ghanaian suppliers, technology transferred and environmental performance.
In addition to gold, the government is targeting local processing of at least 50 per cent of Ghana’s manganese and bauxite by the end of 2028, with a goal of full local processing and export bans by 2030. Bauxite processing is expected to support alumina refining and aluminium smelting, while lithium plans will begin with local refining before moving into battery‑grade chemicals, components and cells.
Forson also announced plans to establish a 24‑hour critical minerals processing enclave in the Western Region, aimed at expanding domestic mineral processing and strengthening Ghana’s position in the minerals value chain.
