Asantehene calls on African leaders to build mining giants to retain mineral wealth

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has encouraged African leaders to create local and indigenous mining giants to ensure the continent retains more of its mineral wealth. This call was made during the Mining in Motion Conference in Accra on Monday, October 19, 2026, via an address delivered on his behalf by Nana Okyere Kusi Ntrama.

The Asantehene emphasized that Africa must develop mining companies capable of competing with global players rather than allowing much of the value from its natural resources to leave the continent. He drew parallels with successful entrepreneurs like those in the oil industry, urging African business leaders to establish companies that can keep the value of mineral wealth within Africa.

The Asantehene also advocated for a unified approach towards developing the mining industry in Africa, stressing that reforms should be backed by a national consensus and sustained by successive governments. He cautioned that such reforms could face opposition from those who have profited from the current system, as well as international entities seeking Africa's valuable minerals for new industries.

The Asantehene stressed that efforts to retain more mineral wealth locally must benefit Ghanaians and other Africans without compromising the industry's efficiency, production, management, or safety.