# KNUST engineering and Ghana mining sector reforms

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/knust-engineering-and-industry-partnerships
> Updated: 2026-11-04T01:11:38.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) College of Engineering has initiated several collaborations to advance industrial development and research in Ghana. To mark its 75th anniversary, the university established a partnership with MTN Ghana through a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on industry-academia collaboration, student internships, and local Artificial Intelligence talent development.

The university also expanded its reach through a partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. This included the commissioning of a Fintech Venture Studio at the KNUST College of Engineering Innovation Centre and discussions regarding a satellite campus in Ellembelle to support the oil and gas sector. This partnership aims to utilize technology, including mining engineering and AI, to improve natural resource management and combat illegal mining.

Parallel to these academic efforts, Ghana is implementing significant legislative shifts in its extractive sector. The government is working to pass the Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026, which is expected to include a revised 20-year cap on mining leases and the establishment of District Mining Committees to improve local community involvement. Under the proposed law, Community Development Agreements would become mandatory for mining companies.

President John Dramani Mahama has set a 2030 deadline to end the export of unprocessed mineral ores to boost local manufacturing. To support this, Ghana is deepening ties with China, with a delegation seeking increased investment in mineral processing and technology transfer. However, the sector faces domestic challenges: the Ghana Mine Workers Union has protested a directive to transition from owner mining to contract mining by December 2026 due to fears of job losses, and banks remain cautious about lending to small-scale miners due to concerns regarding illegal mining.

## Claims

- Ghana aims to end exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030. (reported by 1 source)
- The Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026 is expected to restore a 20-year cap on mining leases. (reported by 1 source)
- The Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026 will establish District Mining Committees. (reported by 1 source)
- Mining contributed approximately 9.98 per cent to Ghana’s GDP in 2025. (reported by 1 source)
- Ghana's gold production reached 5.94 million ounces in 2025. (reported by 1 source)
- Mine workers are protesting a directive to transition to contract mining by December 2026. (reported by 1 source)
- Banks are reluctant to lend to small-scale mining operators due to fears of supporting illegal mining. (reported by 1 source)
- Ghana shared mining expertise with Malawi during a UNDP learning exchange in October 2026. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: Ghana advances mining reforms and international partnerships

Ghana is pursuing mining reforms, including a 2030 ban on raw ore exports and new legislation to enhance community benefits and lease regulations, while seeking deeper investment from China.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/knust-and-ministry-of-lands-and-natural-resources-expand-collaboration-in-ghana

### 2026-10-21: KNUST marks 75 years of engineering with industry partnerships

As KNUST celebrates 75 years of engineering education, the university has partnered with MTN Ghana to enhance industry collaboration and develop local AI talent.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/knust-marks-75-years-of-engineering-with-industry-partnerships

---
Cite as: KNUST engineering and Ghana mining sector reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/knust-engineering-and-industry-partnerships