John Dramani Mahama sets 2030 target to end raw mineral ore exports

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will prohibit the export of raw mineral ores by 2030, a strategic move intended to compel local value addition and bolster the national economy. Speaking at the Mining in Motion 2026 Summit in Accra on October 19, the President emphasized that African nations must shift toward local processing to retain the true value of their natural resources. This policy shift is supported by a newly revised Minerals and Mining Policy, recently approved by Cabinet, which seeks to provide Ghanaians with a larger stake in the sector and improve benefits for mining communities through proposed legislative amendments.

Addressing the ongoing challenge of illegal mining, or galamsey, President Mahama revealed that the practice has severely impacted 48 of the country’s 288 forest reserves, resulting in the destruction of approximately 12,000 acres of land. He reported significant progress in enforcement, noting that security operations have successfully cleared nine forest reserves previously designated as "red zones" due to the presence of armed illegal miners. Enforcement efforts have led to the seizure of 135 excavators, nearly 200 firearms, and over 8,200 other pieces of equipment, including changfan machines. To prevent future incursions, the government has already fitted tracking devices to 2,059 excavators to monitor their movement and usage nationwide.

To rectify the extensive ecological damage, the President pledged a total allocation of GH₵400 million in the 2027 Budget for land reclamation and environmental protection. According to details from the summit, half of this fund—GH₵200 million—will be dedicated specifically to rehabilitating 5,000 acres of degraded land, with work scheduled to commence next year. The remaining GH₵200 million will support the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Blue Water Guards in their monitoring and enforcement duties. These efforts will be complemented by a new reforestation initiative launched in collaboration with the REDD+ programme to restore forest cover across various regions.

The President's remarks underscored a broader commitment to sustainable resource governance and environmental stewardship. By combining strict enforcement against illegal mining with a long-term strategy for industrial value addition, the administration aims to transform the mining sector into a more sustainable pillar of Ghana's development. President Mahama noted that while the damage to the nation's landscape is vast, the combination of legislative reform, modern tracking technology, and dedicated funding for restoration provides a clear roadmap for recovery and economic sovereignty.