‘Our minerals must create jobs at home’ – Sammy Gyamfi

Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has called on African nations to move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead use their resources to create jobs and develop industries. Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference on Tuesday, October 20, he argued that the success of Africa’s gold and precious minerals sectors should not be judged solely by how much is extracted, but also by the revenue raised, employment generated, and industries built to improve people’s lives.

“Our mineral wealth must become more than an export statistic,” Gyamfi stated. He explained that Africa’s resources should strengthen national reserves, stabilize foreign exchange markets and currencies, support African businesses, and create decent work for the continent’s growing youth population.

Gyamfi cautioned that exporting minerals without adequate local processing and value addition allows other economies to reap a larger share of the benefits, weakening Africa’s ability to earn revenue and provide lasting jobs. He described the situation as urgent, pointing to high youth unemployment and ongoing underdevelopment across the continent. Each year, millions of young people enter the labour market but find few opportunities for decent work or entrepreneurship.

He warned that if Africa’s minerals continue to generate more value abroad than at home, the continent stands to lose more than just revenue. “We will lose the confidence, potential, and patience of the generation that must build our collective future,” he said.

Gyamfi’s remarks underscore a growing push for African countries to prioritize local beneficiation and industrialization in the mining sector. Rather than simply shipping raw materials overseas, he advocates for policies that keep more of the value chain on the continent, fostering enterprise and sustainable employment. His call reflects broader efforts to ensure that Africa’s natural wealth translates into tangible improvements in livelihoods and long-term economic development for its citizens.

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