At the opening of the 2026 Mining in Motion Conference at Destiny Arena, President John Dramani Mahama delivered a rallying call to African nations: seize the global surge in demand for critical minerals and use it as a springboard for industrial development.

Addressing an audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and investors, President Mahama underscored the need for Africa to move beyond the traditional model of extracting and exporting raw materials. Instead, he advocated for local processing, the development of manufacturing capacity, and the creation of stronger links between the continent’s mineral resources and its domestic industries.

“For minerals, this means owning our own resources, extracting them responsibly, and processing them domestically and competitively. It also means linking our mineral value chains to industries that our economies need,” President Mahama stated.

He pointed out that the global shift toward cleaner energy is driving up demand for critical minerals—a trend that presents Africa with a unique opportunity to secure a stronger position in manufacturing, supported by investment in skills, technology, and robust supply networks.

President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s proactive steps in this direction, referencing the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC). These initiatives aim to create integrated value chains that link mineral extraction to local processing and production, setting a blueprint for other African countries.

“As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, capturing more value at home will be vital,” President Mahama concluded. “Africa must take greater ownership of its resources and ensure that they contribute meaningfully to our industrial future.”

Source: Apexnewsgh.com