Ghana mining reforms and New Economy initiative

Ghana is implementing strategic reforms to its mining sector, focusing on the formalization of small-scale mining and the increase of local content. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has formalized 11 small-scale mining cooperatives, with a goal of reaching approximately 40 by early 2027 to improve environmental oversight and regulate illegal mining. New regulations also mandate that indigenous Ghanaian companies undertake surface contract mining, while underground operations must involve partnerships where Ghanaian-owned entities hold at least a 50 percent interest.

To support these developments, Ghana is pursuing international partnerships. A Malawian ministerial delegation has engaged in a South-South Learning Exchange Programme to study Ghana’s regulatory frameworks, gold production, and mineral traceability. Building on these efforts, a Ghanaian delegation led by Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Sulemana Yusif met with officials from China’s Guangxi region to discuss investment in mineral exploration, processing technology, and domestic value addition. This supports President John Mahama’s objective to end the export of unprocessed mineral ores, including bauxite, manganese, and lithium, by 2030.

Expanding on these economic goals, President Mahama has unveiled a “New Economy” initiative. This plan pledges to invest over US$9 billion in job-rich sectors, such as textiles, commercial agriculture, and tourism, between 2027 and 2030. To support infrastructure, the 2027 budget includes GH¢250 million for the Blekusu Phase Two Coastal Protection Project and GH¢685 million for interventions under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA).