The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Ghana’s lithium resources are processed locally, as part of a broader strategy to maximise value from the country’s mineral wealth and accelerate industrialisation.
Speaking at the opening of the 19th edition of the West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX), Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah said Ghana is taking deliberate steps to move beyond the traditional model of exporting raw minerals by developing industries that add value to the country’s natural resources.
“Ghana is taking deliberate steps to move up the mining value chain from extraction to refining, processing and industrial use so that more of the value generated from our mineral resources is retained within the national economy,” he said.
According to the Minister, government is prioritising sectors where Ghana has a competitive advantage and can create additional economic value through local processing and manufacturing.
He pointed to ongoing efforts by the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), in collaboration with VALCO, to establish an integrated aluminium industry that spans bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah also highlighted initiatives being undertaken by the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) to develop a domestic iron and steel industry based on the country’s iron ore deposits.
On lithium, the Minister stressed that government is determined to ensure the emerging critical mineral contributes significantly to industrial development, technology transfer and job creation.
“As global demand for lithium, a critical input for modern technologies, continues to rise, Ghana is committed to ensuring that its lithium resources are not simply extracted and exported as raw materials, but that value addition takes place here in Ghana,” he stated.
He noted that Ghana’s vision extends beyond lithium extraction and processing to the establishment of a battery manufacturing industry capable of serving future markets.
“Lithium’s ultimate product is batteries that are needed for the vehicles of the future. Anybody who comes to talk about lithium should also be talking to us about how those batteries will ultimately be produced in Ghana,” the Minister remarked.
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