President John Mahama on Wednesday graced the 2026 Local Content Summit in Takoradi, drawing together government officials, traditional leaders and industry stakeholders for a major national dialogue on the future of Ghana’s mining sector.

The event brought together the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, chiefs from mining communities, regulators, local entrepreneurs and development partners.

In his address, President Mahama said Ghana must move beyond exporting raw minerals and build a locally owned, technology-driven and value-added mining industry.

He outlined six strategic pillars to guide the transformation, including local partnerships, value addition, human capital development, digital innovation, indigenous ownership and responsible mining.

The President also announced renewed efforts to clean polluted rivers and restore lands destroyed by mining, stressing that mining must benefit communities rather than destroy them.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining and formalising the artisanal and small-scale mining sector.

President Mahama challenged Ghanaian entrepreneurs to prepare for the opportunities ahead and urged international investors to pursue genuine partnerships that build local capacity.

He also called on regulators to ensure fair, transparent and consistent enforcement of mining laws.

He concluded by urging all stakeholders to move beyond declarations and commit to a shared national agenda that transforms Ghana’s mineral wealth into long-term economic development and sustainable growth.