Ghana pushes for local processing of minerals to drive industrialisation – Julius Debrah

Ghana's Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has urged Africa to shift focus from exporting raw minerals to local processing and value addition. He argued that the continent's mineral wealth could be transformed into lasting prosperity through industrialisation, stronger local businesses and sustainable employment opportunities. Speaking at the African Minerals Policy Forum in Accra, Debrah emphasized Ghana's commitment to making mineral resources a catalyst for industrialisation and opportunities for young people.

He stressed the need to protect water bodies, restore degraded lands and ensure mining communities benefit from mineral extraction. Debrah called for a coordinated African approach to mineral development, highlighting the importance of aligning policies, connecting infrastructure and developing regional value chains. This would strengthen the continent's bargaining power and enable countries to retain more value from their resources.

The Chief of Staff praised the organizers of the forum and acknowledged the support of various stakeholders in advancing Ghana's mineral resource agenda. Debrah stressed that the ultimate measure of success should be the improvement of people's lives through decent jobs, thriving local enterprises, stronger communities and a healthier environment.