President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to phase out exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030 as part of efforts to promote local mineral processing, accelerate industrialisation and retain more economic value from Ghana’s natural resources.
The proposed policy will introduce a phased prohibition on raw mineral exports, covering resources such as bauxite, manganese, iron and lithium. The initiative is intended to encourage domestic processing, create opportunities for local industries and ensure that a greater share of the benefits from mineral extraction remains in the country.
Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026, President Mahama said the government would support the policy with the necessary legal measures, mineral-specific requirements and clearly defined implementation timelines.
He stressed that Ghana must move beyond extracting and exporting minerals in their raw form to processing them locally and using them as the foundation for industrial development.
“I’ve set a clear goal that by 2030, raw mineral ores should no longer leave our shores. Our bauxite, manganese, iron, lithium, and other minerals must support processing and industrial development here at home,” he said.
President Mahama further indicated that investors seeking access to Ghana’s mineral resources would be required to comply with clearly defined processing obligations under the government’s local value-addition agenda.
According to him, the proposed restrictions would be implemented in phases to allow for mineral-specific requirements and transparent timelines.
“We will pursue a phased prohibition on exports of unprocessed ores, supported by the necessary legal measures, mineral-specific requirements, and transparent implementation timetables.
“We have already imposed a ban on the export of iron scrap and non-ferrous metals. Investors must understand the processing obligations associated with access to our resources,” he added.
Mahama Highlights Local Gold Refining
Beyond the proposed restrictions on raw mineral exports, President Mahama said the government was strengthening Ghana’s capacity for local gold assaying, refining and related services to retain more economic benefits from the country’s gold resources.
He explained that the initiative, being pursued through the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the country’s gold refining policy, seeks to expand domestic participation in the gold value chain rather than relying primarily on the extraction and export of mineral resources.
“Through the Ghana Gold Board and our gold refining policy, we are working to retain more value through assaying, refining, and related services,” he said.
The policy is expected to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to test and refine gold locally while creating opportunities for businesses, technical professionals and other stakeholders in the mining and mineral processing industries.
Boost for Ghana’s Industrialisation Agenda
The proposed phase-out of unprocessed mineral exports forms part of the government’s broader efforts to promote domestic industrialisation and increase the economic benefits derived from the country’s mineral wealth.
If effectively implemented, the measures could encourage investment in mineral processing infrastructure, expand local value chains and create opportunities for businesses involved in refining and manufacturing.
However, the success of the policy will depend on the implementation framework, the availability of processing infrastructure, investment in technology and the capacity of local industries to process the targeted minerals competitively.
The government’s planned 2030 deadline signals an ambition to position Ghana not only as a producer and exporter of mineral resources but also as a centre for mineral processing and value-added production.
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