Els: MBN360 Extractives/Energy
President John Dramani Mahama has targeted an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming Ghana’s mining sector through innovation, digitalisation, skills development and stronger community protections.
Addressing stakeholders at the 2026 Mining Sector Local Content Summit, the President made it clear that the future competitiveness of Ghana’s extractive sector would depend less on raw output and more on technology, research and human capital development.
“We’ll explore establishing a national mining innovation and research hub to institutionalize knowledge sharing and technology adaptation.”President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama stressed that no mining industry can thrive without a well-trained workforce capable of adapting to global technological shifts.
“No mining sector can be competitive without a skilled workforce,” he said, underscoring plans to strengthen institutions such as the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT) and other technical universities across the country.
The President outlined a renewed focus on apprenticeship programmes to be developed in collaboration with industry players.
These programmes will prioritise emerging competencies in automation, robotics, drone-based exploration technologies, data analytics and environmental sustainability.
Renewable energy integration within mining operations will also form part of the new training emphasis.
“We must train not only miners, but also mining technologists, engineers, and innovators,” he stated, signalling a broader ambition to reposition Ghana as a source of advanced mining expertise rather than solely mineral resources.
Digital and Technology-Driven Mining
In a forward-looking segment of his address, President Mahama highlighted the increasing digitalisation of global mining operations.
“The future of mining is digital, sustainable, and technology-driven,” he observed, adding that Ghana must aspire to become a hub for artificial intelligence-assisted exploration and Internet of Things-enabled asset management.
He further pointed to blockchain-based supply chain transparency and local research and development solutions tailored to Ghana-specific mining challenges.
By anchoring local content policy in technology adoption, the government aims to bridge the gap between traditional extractive practices and modern, data-driven operations.
The proposed innovation and research hub would serve as a coordinating platform for universities, private sector actors and regulators to collaborate on applied solutions.
According to the President, the summit itself must serve as more than a symbolic gathering. “This summit must mark the beginning of a structured ecosystem and not a one-off event,” he cautioned, urging sustained coordination beyond policy declarations.
Indigenous Ownership and the Black Volta Project
Beyond skills and innovation, the President reaffirmed government support for indigenous Ghanaian companies seeking to move beyond subcontracting into full-scale mining ownership.
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The address highlighted the development of the Black Volta Gold Project by Engineers and Planners Limited, describing it as a landmark example of local participation at scale.
The project, once operational, is expected to produce approximately 170,000 ounces of gold annually over a projected mine life exceeding 15 years.
President Mahama described the initiative as a model of responsible and community-centred mining, stating, “Local content cannot be separated from responsible mining.”
By referencing the Black Volta project, the President signalled that Ghanaian firms can lead large-scale ventures when supported by the right policy and financial frameworks.
The Mining Sector Local Content Summit also addressed the social dimension of mining operations. President Mahama reiterated that local communities must remain central beneficiaries of resource extraction.
“We’re strengthening development agreements and community engagement under the revised minerals and mining framework.”President John Dramani Mahama
Traditional authorities and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives will continue to play decisive roles in compliance monitoring and safeguarding community interests.
“Mining must leave our communities better than it found them,” he emphasised, framing responsible mining as both an economic and moral obligation.
The proposed reforms aim to institutionalise community participation while ensuring that mining projects align with local development priorities.
Combating Illegal Mining and Environmental Degradation
Addressing ongoing environmental concerns, President Mahama pledged continued efforts to tackle illegal gold mining while formalising artisanal and small-scale operators.
Efforts to reclaim degraded lands and clean polluted water bodies will be intensified under the revised regulatory framework.
The President’s remarks reflect mounting public concern over the environmental toll of illegal mining activities, particularly on rivers and agricultural lands.
By integrating enforcement with formalization strategies, the government seeks to balance economic inclusion with environmental sustainability.
Taken together, the policy directions outlined at the Mining Sector Local Content Summit signal a comprehensive attempt to reposition Ghana’s mining industry. Innovation, workforce development, indigenous ownership and environmental stewardship are being woven into a unified strategy.
President Mahama’s message was clear: the next phase of Ghana’s mining evolution must be knowledge-driven, technologically advanced and socially responsible.
The challenge now lies in translating vision into execution, ensuring that the Mining Sector Local Content Summit becomes the launchpad for long-term structural change rather than a momentary policy milestone.
