Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has called on African countries to end their reliance on raw mineral exports and invest in local processing to create jobs, promote industrialisation and ensure that more benefits from mineral resources remain on the continent.
He said Africa’s mineral wealth must be transformed into industries, business opportunities and improved livelihoods rather than simply being extracted and exported.
Speaking at the State and Sponsors’ Gala Dinner of the African Minerals Policy Forum – Mining in Motion 2026 in Accra, Mr Debrah said Africa must take deliberate steps to maximise the benefits of its natural resources.
“Africa’s ambition must go beyond exporting raw materials. We must invest in local processing, strengthen indigenous businesses, create skilled jobs and build industries that will drive sustainable economic growth and secure a more prosperous future for generations to come,” he said.
The event was held under the theme, “One Continent. One Voice on Minerals. Aligning Africa’s Mineral Future.”
Dr. Debrah said Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, was committed to making mineral resources a catalyst for industrialisation, economic transformation and opportunities for young people.
He stressed that the country’s mineral development agenda must also prioritise environmental protection and ensure that communities hosting mining activities benefit directly from resource extraction.
“Achieving this vision also requires protecting our water bodies, restoring degraded lands and ensuring that mining communities receive a fair and tangible share of the benefits of resource extraction,” he said.
The Chief of Staff also called for a united African approach to mineral development, saying countries must align their policies, connect infrastructure and build regional value chains to strengthen their collective bargaining power.
“By aligning our policies, connecting our infrastructure and building regional value chains, we can strengthen our collective bargaining power, retain more value on the continent and create greater opportunities for our people,” he said.
He said the continent must ensure that mineral wealth creates lasting economic benefits for its people through decent jobs, thriving local enterprises and stronger communities.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the wealth beneath our feet translates into opportunities above ground through decent jobs, thriving local enterprises, stronger communities and a healthier environment,” Dr. Debrah added.
He commended Oheneba Nana Kwaku Duah and the Ashanti Green Initiative team for organising the forum, which brought stakeholders together to discuss Africa’s mineral future.
He also expressed appreciation to BOST Energies and its Managing Director, Mr Afetsi Awoonor, for their support, and acknowledged the leadership of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in advancing Ghana’s mineral resource agenda.
Dr. Debrah said Africa must work collectively to ensure its mineral wealth is transformed into dignity, opportunity and shared prosperity for present and future generations.
