Ghana Strengthens Industrial Policy through Mineral Value Addition, Regulatory Oversight, and Investor Assurances

The Government of Ghana is intensifying its efforts to transform the nation’s industrial landscape by prioritizing local value addition and maintaining a stable regulatory environment. During the 19th West Africa Mining and Power Exhibition (WAMPEX) in Accra, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized that the state is transitioning from traditional raw mineral extraction to refining, processing, and manufacturing. A primary focus of this new strategy is the development of a domestic lithium processing and battery manufacturing ecosystem. This shift, supported by the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), aims to integrate Ghana into the global green technology supply chain while ensuring economic resilience.

While seeking to attract new investment, the government is also tightening its oversight of existing mining assets to protect national interests. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson recently raised concerns about the practice of "asset flipping," where mining companies renew leases only to sell them shortly after for significant profit. Citing a recent case involving a one-billion-dollar transaction following a Newmont lease renewal, Dr. Forson argued that lease renewals should align with long-term policy rather than speculative secondary markets. To further maximize state revenue, the government is defending a sliding-scale royalty system designed to capture higher gains during periods of elevated gold prices, as deliberations continue over the future of the strategic Tarkwa Mine.

The focus on sustainable growth has also been championed on the international stage. At the Ghana-UK Summit in London, Elikem Kotoko, Deputy CEO of the Forestry Commission, urged global investors to view Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as essential investment factors rather than mere reporting requirements. He highlighted initiatives such as the Cocoa Forest REDD+ Program, which focuses on restoring degraded lands and enhancing local livelihoods. This international push for sustainability is complemented by domestic regulatory actions, particularly by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), which has stepped up monitoring of industries and SMEs in the Bono and Ahafo Regions. The PURC initiative seeks to resolve billing inaccuracies and inconsistent power supply, which have historically hampered industrial productivity.

Despite these strategic advancements, infrastructure maintenance remains a critical priority for ensuring business continuity. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has scheduled a series of necessary power outages across the Tema, Eastern, Central, and Western Regions to facilitate essential grid maintenance. Regulatory bodies continue to call for improved communication between utility providers and the private sector, with the PURC specifically cautioning businesses against unauthorized infrastructure repairs. As Ghana balances these infrastructure needs with ambitious mining reforms and regional energy developments—including Nigeria's upcoming 2026 oil licensing round—the government remains committed to fostering a transparent and collaborative environment for both domestic and international investors.