Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called for a strategic shift in Africa’s mineral sector, urging governments across the continent to transform mineral wealth into sustainable economic growth, industrial development and improved living standards for their people.
He said Ghana’s mineral resources must serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation and economic transformation rather than remain largely a source of raw material exports.
Mr Debrah made the remarks in a Facebook post following his participation in the State and Sponsors’ Gala Dinner of the African Minerals Policy Forum – Mining in Motion 2026, held in Accra under the theme, “One Continent. One Voice on Minerals. Aligning Africa’s Mineral Future.”
According to him, Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to harnessing its mineral resources to create meaningful opportunities for young people while ensuring that mining communities benefit directly from resource extraction.
He stressed that the country’s mineral development agenda must be accompanied by measures to protect water bodies, restore degraded lands and ensure that communities hosting mining operations receive a fair and tangible share of the benefits.
Mr Debrah further argued that Africa’s ambitions for its mineral resources must extend beyond the export of unprocessed commodities.
He called for increased investment in local processing, stronger indigenous businesses, the creation of skilled jobs and the development of industries capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
He said these measures were essential to retaining more value within African economies and securing a more prosperous future for generations to come.
The Chief of Staff also emphasised the importance of a coordinated continental approach to mineral development, urging African countries to align their policies, improve infrastructure connectivity and develop regional value chains.
He noted that greater cooperation among African countries could strengthen the continent’s collective bargaining power, increase the value derived from its natural resources and expand economic opportunities for its people.
Mr Debrah commended Oheneba Nana Kwaku Duah and the Ashanti Green Initiative team for convening the forum, describing the gathering as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration on Africa’s mineral future.
He also expressed appreciation to BOST Energies and its Managing Director, Afetsi Awoonor, for supporting the event.
Additionally, he acknowledged the leadership of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in advancing Ghana’s mineral resource agenda.
Mr Debrah said the ultimate responsibility of policymakers was to ensure that the wealth extracted from the ground translated into tangible improvements in people’s lives, including decent employment, thriving local enterprises, stronger communities and a healthier environment.
He called for a future in which Africa’s mineral resources are not merely extracted and exported but transformed into shared prosperity, dignity and opportunity.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the wealth beneath our feet translates into opportunities above ground through decent jobs, thriving local enterprises, stronger communities and a healthier environment,” he said.
He added that building such a future would require collective commitment and sustained cooperation among African countries, governments, businesses and other stakeholders in the mineral sector.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
