Ghana's Minerals Commission CEO, Isaac Tandoh, has called for a new approach to international mining partnerships, emphasizing the need for local processing, technology transfer, and value addition. Speaking at the Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Tandoh stated that future cooperation must prioritize mutual benefits, technology transfer, and local capacity development. Ghana, as Africa's leading gold producer, aims to process more of its mineral resources locally and retain greater economic value from its natural wealth.
The current state of mineral processing in Africa highlights the need for a new approach. Although eight of the world's 20 leading gold-producing countries are in Africa, only about two percent of the continent's natural resources are processed locally. Tandoh noted that African countries must rethink their approach to mineral exploitation and focus on building domestic processing capacity and industrial development. He emphasized that cooperation should not be a one-way arrangement, where Ghana exports its natural resources while relying on foreign partners for technical expertise and advanced industrial processes.
Ghana is seeking technology transfer and local capacity development in its mining partnerships. Tandoh described Ghana as a sovereign and democratic nation with a clear framework for the future development of its mineral resources. The country remains open to knowledge sharing and the transfer of advanced mining technologies from Russia and other technologically developed countries. However, such partnerships must be genuine, structured, and firmly embedded in Ghanaian institutions to ensure that local engineers and technical professionals acquire measurable new skills and capabilities.
Ghana's focus is expanding beyond traditional gold mining to critical minerals, including lithium, iron ore, and bauxite. The country has state-backed development frameworks, such as the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), to support the development of strategic mineral industries and create opportunities for greater domestic value addition. These frameworks are part of Ghana's strategy to diversify its mineral sector and develop its mineral resources.
Ghana has modernized its regulatory environment and deployed digital technologies to strengthen transparency and accountability in the mining sector. The Minerals Commission's digital Mining Cadastre Administration System (MCAS) and the use of geofencing technology are measures supporting the monitoring and regulation of mining activities. These systems ensure that mineral rights acquisition and mining operations comply with established guidelines, while protecting the interests of stakeholders and the Ghanaian public.
Ghana proposes a formal mining cooperation framework with Russia, founded on reciprocity, mutual benefits, and sustainable development. Tandoh observed that Russia's demand for critical minerals corresponds with Ghana's resource potential, presenting opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. The proposed framework should enable Ghana to leverage international expertise while developing the domestic capabilities required to manage, process, and add value to its mineral resources.
The Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue, held in Saint Petersburg from October 12 to 16, 2026, brings together over 500 participants, including representatives from over 40 African countries and more than 100 heads of agencies and organizations. The event aims to explore opportunities for cooperation in the sustainable development and management of natural resources, technological innovation, and engineering education. Ghana's position at the dialogue reinforces its call for international mining partnerships that support local industrialization, strengthen technical expertise, and ensure that the country's mineral wealth contributes more directly to economic development.
Key points
- Ghana seeks to prioritize local processing, technology transfer, and value addition in its mining partnerships.
- The country aims to develop its mineral resources, including critical minerals such as lithium, iron ore, and bauxite.
- Ghana proposes a formal mining cooperation framework with Russia, founded on reciprocity, mutual benefits, and sustainable development.
