Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who is also Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, has called for deeper collaboration between Ghana and Australian mining stakeholders to unlock Africa’s mineral potential.
Speaking at the Australian Mining in Africa Reception, hosted by the Australian Government during the Investing in African Mining Indaba at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Minister Buah highlighted Ghana’s commitment to fostering sustainable, transparent, and investor-friendly mining practices.
“It is a genuine privilege to be a guest at this special event, bringing together organisations shaping the future of African mining,” Minister Buah said, extending greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana.
He noted that Ghana and Australia share a strong and long-standing relationship, underpinned by diplomatic recognition, development cooperation, and growing economic ties, particularly in mining, agriculture, and education.
Since its inception in 1994, the Investing in African Mining Indaba has provided a pivotal platform for mining professionals, investors, and industry leaders to network, negotiate, and discuss opportunities in Africa’s mineral-rich landscape. Minister Buah emphasized the conference’s role in promoting sustainable economic growth and investment across the continent.
Ghana’s Mining Landscape and Opportunities
Minister Buah outlined the legal and regulatory framework that governs Ghana’s mining sector, emphasizing that all mineral resources are vested in the President to be held in trust for the people. He highlighted key investor incentives, including:
- Protection of contractual rights
- Tax exemptions on imported mining equipment
- Capital repatriation and expatriate remittance allowances
Strong institutions such as the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Authority, Water Resources Commission, and Ghana Revenue Authority ensure compliance and effective oversight throughout the mining value chain.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a critical role in advancing technology, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic transformation. Ghana’s mining sector contributes over one-third of the country’s export revenues and is a major source of tax income, GDP growth, and employment.
Addressing Challenges and Driving Reforms
Minister Buah acknowledged the challenges posed by illegal mining, which threaten environmental sustainability and formal sector operations. In response, the government has implemented bold reforms focused on transparency, enforcement, and alignment with global sustainability standards.
Notable achievements include:
- Blue Water Initiative – restoring polluted water bodies and deploying over 1,600 personnel to monitor high-risk areas
- Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) – promoting sustainable artisanal and small-scale mining practices in over seventy communities
- National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) – a central command to clamp down on illegal mining through rigorous law enforcement
Future Partnerships With Australia
Minister Buah identified several areas for collaboration with Australian partners, including:
- Expanding the rCOMSDEP programme to other mining districts
- Technical support to enhance minerals management and processing
- Tackling illegal mining through green technologies
- Partnerships in the green minerals value chain, particularly lithium
- Developing Ghana’s bauxite and iron ore value chains through industrialisation and value addition
He concluded by reaffirming the importance of forums like the Mining Indaba in fostering sustainable partnerships that can shape Africa’s mining future.
“I pray our discussions here would lead to fruitful and enduring partnerships,” Minister Buah said, thanking the Australian Government and organisers for the hospitality and the exceptional platform for dialogue.
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