Africa’s top gold producer says no more shipping wealth abroad

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to end the export of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030, speaking at the 2026 Mining in Motion Summit in Accra according to Business Insider Africa.

As Africa’s largest gold producer, Ghana aims to stop shipping raw resources abroad—including bauxite, manganese, iron, and lithium—only to import finished goods made from those same materials. Mahama argued that this historical economic model deprives domestic industries of growth opportunities, skilled employment, and technological advancement.

​To achieve the 2030 target, the government will implement a phased prohibition alongside legal provisions and mineral-specific requirements. Mining investors seeking access to Ghana’s resources will be required to support domestic processing. Plans involve expanding processing facilities and connecting them to local manufacturing sectors that produce aluminium items, steel, electric cables, and batteries. Mahama emphasized that this strategy will stimulate broader industrial development, fostering opportunities in equipment maintenance, fabrication, laboratory services, software development, and recycling.

​The initiative forms a core component of the broader Accra Reset agenda, which seeks to strengthen African nations’ control over their natural resources and foster sustainable industrial growth. However, Mahama acknowledged that meeting these ambitious domestic goals requires overcoming significant foundational hurdles, including securing reliable electricity, robust infrastructure, specialized workforce training, and targeted investments. Universities and technical institutions are expected to collaborate directly with mining corporations to cultivate the necessary technical expertise.

​Ultimately, the policy shifts the national focus from mere resource extraction to value addition, aiming to retain greater mineral wealth within the country and build a self-sustaining industrial economy for future generations.