President John Dramani Mahama has called for Africa’s mineral wealth to translate into tangible benefits for its people, including jobs, infrastructure, thriving businesses and opportunities for young people.
Speaking at the African Minerals Policy Centre’s 2026 Mining in Motion Forum, President Mahama said the continent must ensure that the exploitation of its natural resources contributes directly to economic development and improved living conditions.
He stressed the need for Africa to move beyond exporting raw minerals and strengthen local value addition, indigenous enterprise and participation in the mining industry.
“Ships leaving Takoradi should increasingly carry products reflecting African knowledge and enterprise,” he said.
The President said the continent’s mineral wealth must deliver practical improvements in the lives of its people, rather than being measured solely by the volume of resources extracted or exported.
“Our mineral wealth should result in physical improvements, skilled jobs and opportunities for our youth, thriving businesses, infrastructure, clean drinking water and reliable electricity,” he said.
Mr Mahama also highlighted the importance of increasing the participation of indigenous companies in the mining sector through the government’s local content policy.
He said the policy was moving mining companies away from owner mining towards contract mining by indigenous companies, a shift intended to create more opportunities for local businesses to participate in mining operations.
The President also sought to reassure workers employed by existing mining companies that the transition would not negatively affect their employment conditions.
He said workers moving under the contract mining arrangement would continue to receive the same remuneration and enjoy the same conditions of service.
Beyond local participation, Mr Mahama called for stronger partnerships to ensure that commitments made at the forum translate into measurable results.
He emphasised the need for partnerships with clear responsibilities, credible financing and measurable milestones, indicating that progress should be assessed at the next forum.
The assessment, he said, should consider developments in mining operations, the expansion of local supply chains and the number of young people entering skilled employment.
