Mahama urges African countries to focus on local minerals processing

President John Dramani Mahama has urged African countries to process their critical minerals locally and stop exporting raw materials.

This, he said, would ensure value addition and creation of jobs locally for their people.

President Mahama, who is also the Champion for African Union Financial Institutions made the appeal in his address at the opening of the Second Edition of the Mining in Motion Summit on the theme “One Continent. One Voice on Minerals. Aligning Africa’s Mineral Future.

President Mahama said Ghana was pursuing 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. I have set a clear goal that by 2030, raw mineral ores should no longer leave our shores,” President Mahama said.

“Our alumina, manganese, iron, lithium and other minerals must support processing and industrial development here at home.”

President Mahama said Ghana had laid the foundation for this work.

Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) provides a framework for linking bauxite to aluminium refining, and then to aluminium smelting and manufacturing.

He said Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) also sought to connect iron ore development to commercial steel production.

President Mahama said through the Ghana Gold Board and their gold refining policy, they were working to retain more value through assaying, refining and related services.

He said regional processing agreements must secure genuine transformation and fair benefits.

“African mineral ores must leave our ports as electric vehicle batteries, electric cables and transformers, finished aluminium parts, rare-earth magnets and other value-added products,” the President stated.

“We must also make continental trade easier. Implementing tariff commitments, addressing non-tariff barriers, simplifying customs procedures, and improving transport and payment systems will help businesses source African inputs and reach African customers.”

He reiterated that in all this, they did not reject partnerships with foreign capital or foreign direct investment.

To investors, President Mahama said: “Bring your capital, expertise and technology. Partner with us in African enterprise and resources to build competitive industries here in Africa.”

To his fellow African leaders, President Mahama proposed closer cooperation on fair taxation, responsible mining and meaningful local participation.

“We must resist agreements that create conflict among us and weaken our collective bargaining position,” he said.

“To our citizens, as leaders, we owe a firm commitment. Mineral development must safeguard the lives of our people, their livelihoods and their environment.”

He said their rivers, forests and farmlands are part of their world, adding that communities must share fairly in the benefits; workers must be protected, and mined lands must be reclaimed and rehabilitated.

“Mineral revenues must be properly accounted for and used in the best interests of our citizens,” the President said.

“In Ghana, we have additional commitments. We must commit ourselves to preventing and mitigating the effects of mining on our environment.”

Madam Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, the African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, and Minerals, citing the success story of the Ghana Gold Board, said Ghana offers valuable lessons to the rest of Africa.

In attendance at the event was Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, while the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was represented by Omanhene of Asumenya Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama II.

GNA