Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah is the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has positioned Ghana as Africa’s premier destination for ethical and profitable mining investment.
Speaking at the 23rd Africa Down Under Conference in Perth, Australia, on Wednesday, September 4, 2025, the minister urged global mining investors to consider Ghana, citing the country’s strong track record and its status as Africa’s leading gold producer.
In his address, he highlighted Ghana’s mining credentials, its historic Gold Coast legacy, and the over USD 20 billion in accumulated mining investment.
“You can invest in Ghana with confidence, knowing that your investments are protected by a stable political environment and a government that upholds the principles of good governance, including the rule of law and the sanctity of contracts,” he said, describing Ghana as “the beacon of democracy in Africa,” the lands minister said.
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While celebrating Ghana’s gold dominance, the minister also spotlighted vast opportunities in other critical minerals, positioning the country as a strategic partner in the global clean energy transition.
On bauxite and iron ore, he revealed that through the Ghana Integrated Bauxite Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), the government is actively seeking private partners to develop integrated industries from mining to refining and smelting. Ghana, he noted, holds over 1.5 billion tonnes of iron ore resources.
Regarding lithium and base metals, the minister confirmed recent discoveries and highlighted active lithium exploration by Atlantic Lithium Limited, along with promising geological prospects for cobalt, copper, nickel, and zinc — all essential for battery and technology manufacturing.
He further emphasized that investing in Ghana means gaining access to a thriving support ecosystem, including over 200 engineering and service companies and more than 500 active exploration projects.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to a new mining paradigm, Armah-Kofi Buah stated, “Ghana is not just about extracting resources. We are committed to a paradigm shift—to a value-added approach.”
He outlined the country’s vision to move beyond raw material exports by building local processing capacity, manufacturing capabilities, and linkages to other sectors, ensuring that mining wealth translates into tangible benefits for communities and the nation.
To improve transparency and efficiency in the sector, the Minister also highlighted Ghana’s digital advancements, particularly the Mineral Cadastre Administration System (MCAS), which streamlines approvals and reduces bureaucratic delays in mining licensing.
In closing, he extended a strong invitation to the global investment community, urging them to prioritize Ghana in their portfolios.
He called for “partners who understand that mining is not just about extraction but also about transformation and shared value.”
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