Ghana is accelerating preparations to position itself as Africa’s most attractive mining jurisdiction through sweeping policy reforms, simplified processes and enhanced investor incentives, according to Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah.
Speaking at the 2026 Mining Indaba Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Buah outlined the country’s transformative reset agenda aimed at modernizing every aspect of the sector, from updating laws and integrating new technologies to scrapping exploration taxes and streamlining regulatory procedures.
The Minister stated that President John Dramani Mahama has embarked on a very transformative reset agenda to make Ghana the most attractive mining jurisdiction in Africa. He added that the government continues to embark on massive reforms in the mining sector to affect both policy and laws, to make sure that Ghana is abreast of the times with modern technology, but also making things very easy and efficient for investors.
Buah emphasized that Ghana seeks more than just capital, noting that the country is looking for ethical, innovative partners committed to long term value creation. He stated that partners should understand that mining is not just about extraction, but the transformation of the entire ecosystem and the lives of all stakeholders at all levels.
The Minister invited investors to consider Ghana’s compelling advantages, including political stability, a predictable regulatory framework, and a long standing mining tradition. He stated that investors should think about the country that has gained a reputation over the years for political stability and regulatory certainty.
He added that Ghana believes it is fair for investors to have a very good return on investment, but in doing so, the country works together to create a win win partnership, not only for host communities, but for the country at large.
Ghana solidified its position as a premier destination for sustainable mining investment at the 2026 edition of the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba held in Cape Town from February 9 to 12. Buah led a full spectrum delegation including heads of key implementing agencies to champion Ghana’s strategic vision for the sector.
The delegation included Isaac Tandoh of the Minerals Commission, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), Dr Prosper Akaba of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, and Williams Okofo Dateh of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC).
A major highlight of Ghana’s participation was the Ghana Day Event on Wednesday, February 11, where the Minister headlined proceedings. The event, organized in recognition of Ghana’s position as Africa’s leading gold producer, served as a platform to showcase the country’s investment opportunities and deepen investor interest in its extractive sector.
During a panel discussion on regional and continental integration, Buah explained that rather than relying solely on royalties and taxes, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) framework seeks to leverage mineral revenues to build a diversified portfolio of strategic investments that support sustainable economic growth.
He stated that through MIIF, Ghana is deliberately taking an investment perspective to mineral resources, allowing the country to participate more meaningfully in the value chain by investing mineral revenues in assets that can generate sustainable returns.
The Minister explained that the Fund was established to enable the state to take equity positions in mining related ventures, including infrastructure and downstream opportunities, thereby crowding in private capital while reducing risk.
Buah further indicated that MIIF’s mandate aligns with Ghana’s broader industrialization and regional integration agenda, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where cross border mineral value chains and shared infrastructure are increasingly being discussed.
On governance, Buah stressed that investment must be underpinned by regulatory certainty, credible geological data and responsible environmental management, noting that these elements are critical to attracting patient capital into the sector.
On illegal mining, he reiterated government’s commitment to protecting legitimate investments while pursuing a balanced approach that combines enforcement with community engagement and formalization.
Mining Indaba 2026, themed Stronger Together Progress Through Partnerships, attracted more than 10,500 delegates, including government officials, industry leaders, investors, and regulators, making it the largest attendance in the event’s 32 year history.
The conference serves as Africa’s premier platform for mining investment, policy dialogue, and sustainable resource development.
Ghana produces gold, bauxite, manganese, and diamonds among other minerals, with gold remaining the country’s leading mineral export. The government has prioritized value addition in the mining sector to capture downstream benefits rather than exporting raw minerals.
