Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has declared Ghana a continental trailblazer in sustainable mining, positioning the country as a benchmark for responsible resource development in West Africa.

Speaking at the opening of the 18th West Africa Mining and Power Exhibition and Conference (WAMPEX 2025) at the Accra International Conference Centre, the Minister highlighted Ghana’s strong performance across four critical pillars—investor confidence, environmental stewardship, community impact, and transparent governance.
“Ghana is not just a mining destination,” the Minister asserted. “We are proof that responsible investment and transformative development can go hand in hand.”

A Model for Responsible Investment

Addressing an audience of regional industry leaders and international stakeholders, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah praised Ghana’s evolving extractive landscape, underpinned by progressive policies and a commitment to sustainability.

He noted that Ghana attracted approximately $1.2 billion in foreign direct investment into mining in 2024, crediting the country's investor-friendly climate, stable democracy, and skilled workforce. “Our doors are open, our policies are clear, and our commitment is unwavering,” he affirmed, calling on neighbouring countries to adopt similar approaches.

From CSR to Shared Value

The Minister further emphasised the government’s shift from conventional corporate social responsibility to genuine shared value, with over 100 mining communities directly benefiting from the Minerals Development Fund.

“WAMPEX 2025 should be remembered as the moment we turned promise into practice, where sustainable deals were struck, transformative partnerships formed, and West Africa’s mining future was forever changed,” he charged the gathering.

Industry Leaders Call for Bold Action

Chairman of the Conference and President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Michael Edem Akafia Esq, described WAMPEX 2025 as “timely and critical”, urging participants to respond decisively to the continent’s sustainable development agenda.

He called for greater industry alignment to ensure that mining delivers maximum socio-economic benefit to citizens across the region.

Driving Sustainable Investment Opportunities

Delivering the welcome address, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, underscored the relevance of this year’s theme: “The Mining and Power Hub: Driving Sustainable Investment Opportunities in West Africa.”

He noted that the theme serves as a rallying call for the mining and energy sectors to demonstrate resilience amid global economic pressures and position themselves as catalysts for regional economic transformation.

WAMPEX 2025: A Continental Platform for Progress

Currently ongoing in Accra, WAMPEX 2025 is expected to serve as a premier international forum for government leaders, senior professionals, and investors from across West Africa to explore innovations, debate pressing sector challenges, and build partnerships that advance sustainable growth in the mining and power sectors.