Lands Minister Armah-Kofi Buah Courts Zijin Mining for African Expansion and Proposes National EV Training Hub

Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has concluded a high-level strategic mission to China, where he urged the Zijin Mining Group to establish Ghana as its primary springboard for operations across the African continent. During a meeting in Longyan City, Fujian Province, the Minister emphasized the potential for a long-term strategic partnership that would leverage Ghana’s stable business environment to drive regional mining growth. Minister Buah highlighted the success of Zijin’s current operations, particularly following its acquisition of the Akyem-based Newmont Golden Ridge Gold Mine, as a testament to the mutually beneficial relationship between the government and the global mining giant.

In response to the Minister’s proposal, the President of Zijin Mining Group, Lin Hongfu, praised Ghana’s investment climate and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to deepening its presence in the country. Lin emphasized that the group’s future operations will prioritize local employment, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability. A key component of this new phase of investment includes the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) within Zijin’s mining operations to drastically reduce carbon emissions. Minister Buah welcomed this commitment, noting that any further investment must continue to align with national laws and contribute meaningfully to the development of host communities.

Expanding on the green technology theme, Minister Buah also visited Longking, a prominent Chinese EV manufacturer, where he advocated for the establishment of an Electric Vehicle Capacity Building Centre in Ghana. Recognizing the global shift toward cleaner transportation, the Minister proposed this specialized training hub to equip Ghanaian mechanics with the technical skills necessary to maintain and repair modern EVs. He noted that as the mining and logistics sectors increasingly adopt heavy-duty electric machinery, Ghana must develop a local technical workforce to ensure the sustainability of these technologies rather than relying solely on imported expertise.

This diplomatic mission aligns with the broader goals of President John Mahama’s administration to attract global mining investment while promoting responsible, green mining practices. By courting investment in green technologies and proposing local capacity building for the EV market, the government aims to position Ghana at the forefront of the energy transition in West Africa. The Minister’s visit signals a proactive approach to technology transfer, ensuring that international partnerships result in both industrial growth and the modernization of Ghana's domestic labor force.