Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, says mining must move beyond raw mineral exports to serve as a catalyst for Ghana’s industrialisation, infrastructure growth, and community development.

Speaking at the Mining and Minerals Convention at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Mr. Sulemana explained that the government is committed to ensuring the country’s mineral wealth benefits ordinary citizens as well as investors.

“Mining must continue to serve as a catalyst for industrialization, infrastructure development, and community empowerment. Hence, we are committed to ensuring that the benefits of Ghana’s mineral wealth are felt not only by investors but more importantly by the ordinary Ghanaian — our youth, our women, and, very importantly, our mining communities. This is a paradigm shift beyond the colonial dig-and-ship model to a value-added approach,” the Deputy Minister stated.

He emphasised that the government’s vision is to transition Ghana from a raw mineral exporter to a hub of value addition and downstream processing.

“Our vision is clear. Ghana must transform from being primarily an exporter of raw materials to a hub of value addition. The downstream processing and also responsible resource mobilisation must be our focus,” Mr. Sulemana noted.

Touching on modernisation of the sector, he said digital transformation would be central to building a more transparent and efficient mining industry.

“We are also embracing digital transformation, leveraging technology for equipment tracking, mineral traceability, monitoring, and governance. This digital leap incorporating fintech-enabled solutions will secure unprecedented transparency and boost investor confidence,” he added.

According to him, Ghana’s mining story must be shaped through collective effort and partnerships across all stakeholders.

“The future we are building requires strong partnership between government, the private sector, financiers, civil society, academia, and, of course, our communities. This conversation provides a platform to share ideas, debate solutions, and forge collaboration that will shape Ghana’s mining story for generations to come,” the Deputy Minister remarked.

He appealed to key players in the industry to align with the government’s vision.

To large-scale mining companies, he urged, “Partner with us in this new vision, invest in our downstream projects, mentor Ghanaian businesses in the value chain, and exceed your environmental and social obligations.”

To small-scale miners, he assured, “The government is your partner. Let us work together to make small-scale mining a proud, legal, and environmentally sustainable profession.”

And to financiers and geological investors, he called for support: “Your capital and your creativity are the fuel for this transformation. Invest in our processing facilities and refineries and help us build a modern, sustainable industry of the future.”

Mr. Sulemana concluded that the government’s focus is not only on mineral extraction but on creating long-term value that benefits every Ghanaian.