Ghana is seeking deeper cooperation with China and other international partners in mineral processing, technology transfer, skills development and infrastructure as the country steps up efforts to derive greater value from its mineral resources.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said Ghana could no longer afford to rely primarily on the export of raw minerals, stressing the need for partnerships that promote local value addition, create jobs and support long-term industrial development.
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 future of Ghana’s mining industry should be measured not only by the volume of minerals extracted, but also by the industries, skills, technology, jobs and stronger communities created in the process.
“Our minerals must do more than generate export receipts. They must support value addition, industrial development, skills, jobs and opportunities for our young people,” he said.
Ghana Reviews Mining Framework
According to the Minister, Ghana’s definition of win-win cooperation requires mineral-producing countries to receive fair value from their resources while providing investors with a stable and commercially viable environment.
He said the government was reviewing the country’s minerals and mining framework, formalising artisanal and small-scale mining, strengthening responsible oversight and improving transparency across the gold value chain.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah noted that Ghana already has significant Chinese investments in its mining sector, including those of Chifeng Gold Group, Shandong Gold and Zijin Mining.
However, he said future partnerships should go beyond mineral extraction to include processing, technology, infrastructure, skills development and local supply chains.
Push for Green Mining
The Minister also identified environmental sustainability as a critical component 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) were part of measures to promote responsible mining.
Ghana, he added, was seeking stronger cooperation with China in areas such as 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 said.
He stressed that responsible mining must ensure communities continue to benefit from economic and social development even after mining activities have ended.
Technology and Skills Transfer
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah further identified digital technology, geological data and automation as key areas for Ghana-China collaboration.
He said Ghana was modernising its national geological database, improving geological survey and mapping capabilities, and strengthening digital traceability across the gold supply chain.
According to him, reliable geological information is essential for helping Ghana understand its mineral resources, attract suitable investments and negotiate effectively with investors.
“You cannot negotiate confidently over what you do not fully know,” he said.
The Minister also called for increased technical exchanges and mining-specific training for Ghanaian engineers, geologists and regulators.
He stressed that technology transfer must go beyond equipment and systems to strengthen local expertise and institutions.
Ghana Targets Greater Local Value Addition
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said Ghana was seeking to unlock greater value from its mineral resources 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 within Ghana’s mining sector.
He said Ghana had the mineral resources, while China possessed significant experience in capital, technology, processing, infrastructure and industrial development, creating room 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,” Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said.
China Pledges Support
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.
He said China was also prepared to provide funding, investment, technology and technical support to developing economies 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.”
