President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana will phase out exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030 as part of efforts to boost local processing, accelerate industrialisation and retain more economic value from the country’s mineral resources.
He said the government would introduce a phased prohibition on raw mineral exports, covering resources such as bauxite, manganese, iron and lithium, to strengthen domestic industries and promote value addition.
Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026, President Mahama said the policy would be backed by the necessary legal measures, mineral-specific requirements and transparent implementation timelines.
He stressed that Ghana must move beyond extracting and exporting minerals in their raw state and focus on processing them locally to support industrial development.
“I’ve set a clear goal that by 2030, raw mineral ores should no longer leave our shores. Our bauxite, manganese, iron, lithium, and other minerals must support processing and industrial development here at home,” he said.
President Mahama added that investors seeking access to Ghana’s mineral resources would be required to meet clearly defined processing obligations under the government’s value-addition agenda.
“We will pursue 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. Investors must understand the processing obligations associated with access to our resources,” he added.
The proposed measures are expected to expand local processing capacity, stimulate industrial growth, create opportunities across the mining value chain and ensure Ghana retains a greater share of the economic benefits generated from its mineral wealth.
