President Mahama: Time for Ghana to Own the Mining Value Chain

President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater local participation in Ghana’s extractive industry, stressing the need to go beyond exporting raw minerals and engage fully in the high-value segments of the mining value chain.

Speaking at the Local Content Summit in Takoradi on February 18, 2026, President Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s status as Africa’s leading gold producer and among the top six globally, but highlighted that much of the high-value activity—such as processing, refining, and equipment manufacturing—remains controlled by foreign entities.

“Mineral wealth has shaped our fiscal landscape and funded our national development. Yet we must confront an uncomfortable truth,” he said, noting that advanced engineering, mineral processing, and refinery operations are largely dominated by outsiders, limiting the country’s ability to reap greater economic benefits.

The President revealed that Ghana’s extractive sector generated approximately $6.6 billion in export revenue in 2023. Despite this, domestic participation in high-value areas remains low, with local procurement making up only a small portion of total sector expenditure.

“We have been prolific producers, but we have not yet become full participants in the extractive value chain,” he stated.

President Mahama explained that the Local Content Summit is designed to address this gap by promoting policies and partnerships that enhance Ghanaian ownership, technical expertise, and industrial participation across the mining sector.

The summit convened policymakers, industry stakeholders, and local entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for strengthening Ghana’s presence and competitiveness throughout the entire extractive industry value chain.