President John Dramani Mahama has outlined Ghana’s plans to strengthen local industries, create jobs and increase the value of the country’s natural resources, including a proposed ban on raw material exports by 2030.
Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit in London on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, President Mahama also addressed security challenges in the Sahel region, saying countries and partners committed to fighting terrorism were welcome to support the effort.
“My opinion on this is that anybody who is committed to the fight against terrorism is welcome,” he said, responding to questions about Russian security assistance in the Sahel.
On regional security, the President explained that plans to deploy a West African standby force had been delayed partly because a United Nations resolution needed to help secure the financing required for the operation had not been obtained.
Ghana Targets Local Processing of Gold and Critical Minerals
President Mahama said the government aims to end raw material exports by 2030 to promote domestic processing and increase the value Ghana derives from its mineral resources.
The critical minerals identified include lithium, manganese, bauxite and gold. The policy is expected to encourage investment in local processing industries, create employment opportunities and support Ghana’s industrial development.
According to the President, approximately 70 per cent of Ghana’s gold is already refined locally before export. He expressed confidence that the country would eventually achieve full domestic gold refining.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to expand local manufacturing, retain more economic value within Ghana and reduce dependence on exporting unprocessed natural resources.
Mahama Targets 50% Local Cocoa Processing
The President also announced plans to process at least 50 per cent of Ghana’s annual cocoa production locally, leaving the remaining half available for export.
He said increasing domestic cocoa processing would help establish more value-added industries and create jobs for Ghanaians.
The proposed strategy is expected to support the cocoa industry by encouraging local chocolate manufacturing, cocoa butter production and other cocoa-based businesses.
If implemented successfully, the government’s plans could create opportunities for investors, manufacturers and small businesses while strengthening Ghana’s position in the global mineral and cocoa value chains.
Source: newsthemegh.com