President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that Ghana will phase out exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030 as part of efforts to promote local processing.
Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026, the President disclose that plans would be propose by the necessary legal measures, mineral-specific requirements and clear implementation timelines.
“I have 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.
In addition, he disclosed the government would introduce a phased prohibition on raw mineral exports, covering resources such as bauxite, manganese, iron and lithium, to support domestic industrialisation and retain more economic value from the country’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.
