Ghana: The Land of Minerals and Opportunity

At the 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave held in New Delhi, H.E. Mr. Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister of the Republic of Ghana, delivered an inspiring address on the theme “Harnessing Critical Minerals for a Sustainable Future.” His remarks underscored Ghana’s resource wealth, reform-driven policies, and the vast opportunities for collaboration between India and Ghana in building sustainable and resilient industries.

“This conclave has consistently provided a vital space for Africa’s leaders and businesses to engage with India, exploring new avenues of partnership and shared prosperity,” he said.

Ghana: The Land of Minerals and Opportunity

For centuries, Ghana has been known as the “land of gold.” Today, the country stands as the sixth-largest producer of gold in the world and Africa’s leading producer. Mining remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, contributing 8.6% to government revenue in 2023, with projections of 9.5% in 2024.

But Ghana’s mineral wealth goes far beyond gold. The Western Regional Minister highlighted that the country is richly endowed with diamonds, bauxite, manganese, iron ore, and limestone, all in commercial quantities. Of particular note is Ghana’s recent discovery of lithium, which Mr. Nelson called “a resource that will power the future of electric mobility and renewable energy storage.”

In addition to minerals, Ghana is home to significant oil and gas reserves, anchoring both its extractive and energy sectors. New opportunities are also emerging in graphite, iron ore, and other green minerals essential for global industries of the future. “These resources are not merely economic assets; they represent strategic opportunities to build industries that can serve Ghana, Africa, and indeed the world,” Mr. Nelson emphasised.

Ghana’s Reform-Driven Agenda

Under the renewed leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana is pursuing reforms designed to foster industrialisation, innovation, and export-led growth. Mr. Nelson outlined several transformative initiatives:

The establishment of the Ghana Minerals Board under Act 1140 of Parliament mandated to buy, sell, and export gold and other precious minerals. The launch of the Responsible Small-Scale Mining and Skills Development Programme aims to formalise artisanal mining while safeguarding both the environment and miners’ welfare. The development of a second gas processing plant, designed to reduce imports and strengthen energy supply for industrial development, including mining.

“These reforms are not aspirations; they are concrete actions positioning Ghana—and the Western Region in particular—as a hub for sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive growth,” he declared.

A Call for India–Ghana Collaboration

Mr. Nelson underscored that Ghana offers not just resources but also a stable and reform-driven environment for investment. “We welcome collaboration in processing, refining, technology transfer, skill development, and sustainable investment models that deliver shared prosperity,” he told Indian and African business leaders.

He extended a direct invitation to investors to consider Ghana—and particularly its Western Region—as their next major investment destination. Opportunities span agriculture, energy, and minerals, in addition to large-scale projects like the Petroleum Hub, envisioned as one of Africa’s premier energy and logistics centres.

“The opportunities are vast and compelling,” Mr. Nelson affirmed. “They include fertile land for agriculture, sustainable oil and gas reserves, rich deposits of gold, bauxite, and manganese, as well as a safe coastline for maritime ventures.”

Looking Ahead: From Dialogue to Action

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Nelson called for the partnership between India and Africa to move from words to action. “As we celebrate the 20th edition of this important conclave, let us not only honour the past two decades of dialogue but also commit ourselves to the next 20 years of decisive action. Let us turn words into partnerships, and partnerships into lasting prosperity,” he said.

He urged participants to see Ghana not just as an investment destination but as a partner in building a sustainable global future. “Invest in Ghana. Invest in the Western Region. Invest in the future.”