Mahama Drops Major Announcement on Ghana’s Mineral Exports at Mining Conference

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to phase out the export of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030 as part of the government’s efforts to expand local processing, promote industrialisation and retain more economic value from Ghana’s natural resources.

The policy will involve a gradual ban on exports of raw minerals, including bauxite, manganese, iron and lithium, to encourage domestic processing and strengthen the country’s industrial capacity.

Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026, Mahama said the government would introduce the necessary legal framework, mineral-specific requirements and clearly defined implementation timelines to ensure the policy is effectively enforced.

He stressed that Ghana must move beyond extracting minerals for export in their raw form and focus on processing them locally to support industrial development and create greater economic opportunities.

“I’ve set a clear goal that by 2030, raw mineral ores should no longer leave our shores. Our bauxite, manganese, iron, lithium, and other minerals must support processing and industrial development here at home,” he said.

The president also indicated that investors seeking access to Ghana’s mineral resources would be required to comply with clearly defined processing obligations under the government’s value-addition agenda.

He noted that the proposed restrictions would be implemented in phases, supported by appropriate legislation and transparent timelines tailored to the different minerals.

Mahama further disclosed that the government had already prohibited the export of iron scrap and non-ferrous metals as part of its broader efforts to retain more value from the country’s natural resources.

He emphasised that investors must recognise their responsibilities to support local processing as a condition of accessing Ghana’s mineral wealth.

Source: https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/10/ghana-to-phase-out-raw-mineral-exports-by-2030-mahama/

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