Ghana President Mahama announces 2030 deadline for raw mineral export ban

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a strategic plan to phase out the export of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030. Speaking at the Mining in Motion 2026 Conference in Accra, Mahama stated that minerals such as bauxite, manganese, iron, and lithium must be processed domestically to drive industrialization and retain economic value within Ghana.

The initiative is part of a broader $10 billion New Economy Programme, which aims to inject $2 billion annually over five years into high-impact sectors. Key targets include agro-processing, industrial infrastructure, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, with the goal of establishing Ghana as a regional supplier for West Africa.

To support this transition, the administration plans to introduce specific legislation, establish processing obligations for mining companies, and restructure operations such as the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO). Mahama emphasized that success depends on providing reliable, affordable electricity, improving transport infrastructure, and developing a skilled workforce through technical and vocational education. He also called for regional alignment with neighboring countries through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to build stronger African value chains.