Chief of Staff Julius Dr. Debrah has called on African countries to prioritise local processing of mineral resources to create jobs, strengthen indigenous businesses and accelerate industrialisation across the continent.
He said Africa’s mineral wealth must go beyond the export of raw materials and instead serve as a catalyst for economic transformation and shared prosperity.
Dr. Debrah made the call at the State and Sponsors’ Gala Dinner of the African Minerals Policy Forum – Mining in Motion 2026, held in Accra under the theme, “One Continent. One Voice on Minerals. Aligning Africa’s Mineral Future.”
He said Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, was committed to making mineral resources a driver of industrialisation, economic transformation and opportunities for young people.
According to him, achieving that ambition requires investment in local processing, support for indigenous businesses and the creation of skilled jobs to ensure that more value from mineral resources is retained within the continent.
Dr. Debrah also stressed the need to protect water bodies, restore degraded lands and ensure that mining communities receive a fair share of the benefits from resource extraction.
He called for a united African approach to mineral development, urging countries to align their policies, connect infrastructure and develop regional value chains to strengthen their collective bargaining power.
He said closer cooperation among African countries would help the continent retain more value from its natural resources and create greater economic opportunities for its people.
The Chief of Staff further emphasised that mineral development must deliver tangible benefits through decent jobs, thriving local enterprises, stronger communities and a healthier environment.
He commended Oheneba Nana Kwaku Duah and the Ashanti Green Initiative team for organising the forum, which provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration on Africa’s mineral future.
He also acknowledged the support of BOST Energies and its Managing Director, Mr Afetsi Awoonor, as well as 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 towards a future in which its mineral wealth is transformed into lasting prosperity rather than merely extracted and exported.
