Takoradi, Feb. 18 – President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed government’s resolve to reset Ghana’s mining sector through a strengthened local content policy framework built on five strategic pillars.
Addressing the opening of the Local Content Summit 2026 in Takoradi, the President said the new approach would ensure greater participation of Ghanaians in the mining industry while promoting sustainable economic growth.
The summit, organised by the Minerals Commission, is on the theme “Strengthening Local Content and Indigenization: Building a Resilient Mining Sector in Ghana.”
President Mahama explained that local content policies were designed to ensure mining companies prioritised local employment, goods, services, and financing, with the goal of retaining more value within the country and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
He said the first pillar would focus on transforming local content from basic procurement into meaningful partnerships, including equity participation, technology transfer, and capacity building for Ghanaian businesses.
The second pillar targets value addition, with government aiming to reduce and eventually eliminate the export of raw minerals. This, he noted, would involve investing in refineries, promoting mineral-based industries, and aligning Ghana’s mining strategy with global energy transitions.
On human capital development, the President identified skills training as the third pillar, stressing the need to strengthen institutions such as the University of Mines and Technology and expand training in modern technologies, including automation, robotics, and data analytics.
The fourth pillar centres on innovation and technology, with plans to position Ghana as a hub for advanced mining solutions, including artificial intelligence, digital systems, and research tailored to local challenges.
The fifth pillar focuses on increasing indigenous ownership in the mining sector. President Mahama said government would support Ghanaian companies to move beyond subcontracting into full-scale mining operations.
He cited the Black Volta Gold Project by Engineers and Planners Limited as a significant example of local participation, expected to produce about 170,000 ounces of gold annually over more than 15 years.
Touching on sustainability, the President emphasised that local content must be aligned with responsible mining practices, including stronger community engagement, land reclamation, and efforts to combat illegal mining.
He added that traditional authorities and local government leaders would continue to play key roles in ensuring compliance and protecting community interests.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said a new policy framework had been developed to prioritise Ghanaian participation in mining.
He noted that a Special Purpose Vehicle was being established to drive partnerships and industrialisation, adding that efforts were steadily moving from policy formulation to implementation.
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