President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to end Ghana’s exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030, in a major policy push aimed at strengthening local industries and ensuring the country derives greater economic benefits from its natural resources.

The proposed policy will introduce a phased prohibition on the export of raw minerals, including bauxite, manganese, iron and lithium, as the government seeks to make domestic processing a central part of Ghana’s industrialisation strategy.

Addressing the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026, President Mahama said the initiative would be implemented through appropriate legislation, mineral-specific requirements and clearly defined timelines.

According to him, Ghana can no longer rely solely on extracting minerals and shipping them abroad without maximising the value that local processing and manufacturing can generate.

“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.

The President further indicated that investors operating in the country’s mining sector would have to comply with specific processing requirements to gain access to Ghana’s mineral resources.

“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 policy is intended to encourage investment in mineral processing, strengthen local manufacturing, create jobs and retain more value within Ghana’s economy. Its success will depend on effective implementation, adequate infrastructure and the ability of local industries to process the country’s mineral resources competitively.