Ghana demands value addition in mining partnerships at Russia-Africa Dialogue

Minerals Commission CEO Isaac Tandoh calls for Ghana-Russia mining cooperation framework based on mutual benefits, technology transfer and local capacity development.

Ghana has called for a new approach to international mining partnerships, insisting that future cooperation must prioritise local processing, technology transfer and value addition rather than the export of raw materials.

The position was presented by the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr Isaac Tandoh, on behalf of the Government of Ghana at the ministerial roundtable of the Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Mr Tandoh said Ghana, as Africa's leading gold producer, was determined to pursue partnerships that would enable the country to process more of its mineral resources locally and retain greater economic value from its natural wealth.

He noted that although eight of the world's 20 leading gold-producing countries are in Africa, only about two per cent of the continent's natural resources are processed locally.

According to him, the situation highlights the need for African countries to rethink their approach to mineral exploitation and focus on building domestic processing capacity and industrial development.

“All future cooperations must move beyond simple raw material extraction toward a partnership of sovereign equals,” Mr Tandoh stated.

Ghana seeks technology transfer and local capacity development

Addressing participants at the ministerial session, Mr Tandoh described Ghana as a sovereign and democratic nation with a clear framework for the future development of its mineral resources.

He said the country remained open to knowledge sharing and the transfer of advanced mining technologies from Russia and other technologically developed countries.

However, he stressed that 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.

He explained that cooperation should not become a one-way arrangement in which Ghana exports its natural resources while relying on foreign partners for technical expertise and advanced industrial processes.

Instead, he called for arrangements that would strengthen Ghana's technical workforce, develop local institutions and support the country's long-term industrial ambitions.

Focus expands to lithium, iron ore and bauxite

Mr Tandoh also highlighted Ghana's expanding interest in critical minerals, including lithium, iron ore and bauxite, as part of efforts to diversify the country's mineral sector beyond traditional resources.

He pointed to state-backed development frameworks, including the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), as important components of the country's strategy to develop its mineral resources.

These frameworks are intended to support the development of strategic mineral industries and create opportunities for greater domestic value addition.

The Minerals Commission CEO further highlighted Ghana's modernised regulatory environment and the deployment of digital technologies to strengthen transparency and accountability in the mining sector.

He cited the Commission's digital Mining Cadastre Administration System (MCAS) and the use of geofencing technology as measures supporting the monitoring and regulation of mining activities.

According to him, these systems are helping to ensure that mineral rights acquisition and mining operations comply with established guidelines, while protecting the interests of stakeholders and the Ghanaian public.

Ghana proposes formal mining cooperation framework with Russia

As part of his address, Mr Tandoh called for the establishment of a formal and institutionalised Ghana-Russia Mining Cooperation Framework founded on reciprocity, mutual benefits and sustainable development.

He observed that Russia's demand for critical minerals corresponded with Ghana's resource potential, presenting opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

He urged both countries to explore partnerships that would go beyond resource extraction to include technical training, industrial development, technology transfer and the strengthening of Ghanaian institutions.

Mr Tandoh emphasised that technical training and industrial cooperation should be delivered directly through Ghanaian institutions to ensure that the benefits of collaboration remain embedded in the country's economy.

The proposed framework, he indicated, should enable Ghana to leverage international expertise while developing the domestic capabilities required to manage, process and add value to its mineral resources.

Over 500 participants attend Saint Petersburg dialogue

The Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue is being held in Saint Petersburg from October 12 to 16, 2026.

Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the UNESCO International Competence Centre for Mining Engineering Education and Saint Petersburg Mining University, the event brings together government representatives, academic leaders, industry experts and other stakeholders.

More than 500 participants, including representatives from over 40 African countries and more than 100 heads of agencies and organisations, are attending the dialogue.

The gathering is aimed at exploring 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 industrialisation, strengthen technical expertise and ensure that the country's mineral wealth contributes more directly to economic development.

The government is seeking to make value addition, technology transfer and institutional capacity development central to future cooperation, as Ghana works to derive greater economic benefits from its natural resources.