Ghana has called for deeper cooperation with China and other international partners in mineral processing, technology transfer, skills development and infrastructure, as part of efforts to derive greater value from the country’s mineral resources.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said Ghana was no longer prepared to rely solely on the export of raw minerals, stressing the need for partnerships that create jobs, industries and sustainable economic opportunities.
He made the call at the opening ceremony and ministerial forum of the 28th China Mining Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Tianjin, China.
Speaking on the theme, “Win-Win Cooperation, Green and Intelligent,” Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said the next phase of Ghana’s mining industry must be measured not only by what is extracted, but also by the industries, skills, technology, jobs and stronger communities created from the country’s mineral resources.
“Our minerals must do more than generate export receipts. They must support value addition, industrial development, skills, jobs and opportunities for our young people.”
According to the Minister, Ghana’s definition of win-win cooperation requires mineral-producing countries to receive fair value from their resources while investors are provided with a stable and commercially viable environment.
He said government is reviewing Ghana’s minerals and mining framework, while also working to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining, strengthen responsible oversight and improve transparency across the gold value chain.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah noted that Ghana already has significant Chinese investments in its mining sector, including those by Chifeng Gold Group, Shandong Gold and Zijin Mining.
He said future partnerships must extend beyond extraction to include mineral processing, technology, infrastructure, skills development and local supply chains.
The Minister also identified environmental sustainability as a critical pillar of Ghana’s mining policy, particularly in the fight against illegal and unregulated small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He said the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and efforts to formalise small-scale mining through the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) are part of measures to promote responsible mining.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said Ghana is also seeking stronger cooperation with China in environmental management, land reclamation, tailings management and the restoration of mined-out areas.
“A river is not simply an environmental statistic. It is drinking water. It is farming. It is the livelihood of a community. It is an inheritance held in trust for a child not yet born.”
He stressed that responsible mining should ensure communities continue to benefit from economic and social development even after mining operations have ended.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah further identified digital technology, geological data and automation as key areas for collaboration between Ghana and China.
He said Ghana is modernising its national geological database, improving geological survey and mapping capabilities, and strengthening digital traceability across the gold supply chain.
According to him, accurate geological information is essential to helping Ghana understand its mineral resources, attract appropriate investments and negotiate effectively with investors.
“You cannot negotiate confidently over what you do not fully know.”
The Minister called for greater technical exchanges and mining-specific training for Ghanaian engineers, geologists and regulators, arguing that technology transfer must also strengthen local expertise and institutions.
He said Ghana is seeking to create greater value from its mineral endowment by refining more of its gold, advancing an integrated aluminium industry, developing iron ore resources to support domestic steel production, and positioning critical minerals to support emerging industries and technologies.
He said the vision would be further presented during Ghana Mining Day, which the Ghanaian delegation is hosting at China Mining 2026 under the theme, “Building Ghana’s Next Frontier: Geology, Value Addition and Investment Partnership.”
The Minister invited investors and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities in Ghana’s mining sector.
He said Ghana has the mineral resources, while China has significant experience in capital, technology, processing, infrastructure and industrial development, creating opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
“We have the resources. China has deep experience in capital, technology, processing, infrastructure and industrial development. Between us lies an opportunity to build commercially sound partnerships in which Ghana creates more value at home, investors succeed, communities share in prosperity and both countries emerge stronger.”
He urged Chinese and international investors to partner with Ghana in building a mining sector that creates greater value locally and gives young people a stronger stake in the country’s mineral wealth.
Speaking at the event, China’s Vice Premier, He Lifeng, said China remained ready to develop pragmatic proposals for the fair sharing of benefits from mining investments and to provide funding, investment, technology and technical support to developing economies.
He said this would be done through open and transparent arrangements.
The 28th China Mining Conference and Exhibition is being held in Tianjin from September 10 to 12, 2026, under the theme “Win-Win Cooperation, Green and Intelligent.”
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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