Ghana must secure a just and equitable share of value from its critical mineral resources, according to former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor. He stated that Africa's vast deposits of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and graphite offer a major opportunity for economic transformation.
Mr. Jinapor cautioned against repeating the historical pattern of exporting raw materials and importing finished products. He highlighted that resource-rich developing countries often capture only a fraction of the value generated from their minerals. This is because refining, manufacturing, and technological development largely occur elsewhere.
This call aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to industrialize and diversify its economy. The country has historically relied on raw material exports, such as gold and cocoa, which limits local job creation and wealth retention. Ghana's new focus on value addition in sectors like bauxite and lithium aims to shift this paradigm. The government seeks to attract investments in processing facilities and technology transfer.
Mr. Jinapor made these remarks at the launch of a research project titled “Justice in Critical Minerals Governance and Energy Transition” in Accra. The project involves partnerships with King’s College London, the University of Ghana, and other international institutions. He stressed that the global clean energy transition significantly increases demand for these minerals, presenting a unique window for African nations.
The International Energy Agency projects that demand for critical minerals could triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040. This surge is driven by global efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Ghana's lithium resources, for instance, offer a chance to pursue a different path. This path involves greater local participation, value addition, refining, and skills development.
Mr. Jinapor emphasized three dimensions of justice for this transition. These include justice between nations, justice between states and communities, and justice between present and future generations. He noted that mining communities must participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lands and livelihoods. This ensures that local populations benefit directly from resource extraction.
The former minister cited Ghana’s past experiences in the gold and bauxite industries. These sectors historically saw the country export raw materials while importing refined products. This practice limited the economic benefits Ghana could derive. The new approach seeks to maximize local content and retain more value within the country.
Justice for future generations means converting mineral wealth into lasting assets. This requires strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and technology. Such investments build a sustainable economic base beyond the lifespan of mineral extraction. This long-term vision is crucial for Ghana’s sustained development.
Mr. Jinapor urged African countries to adopt a common position on critical minerals. A unified front would strengthen their bargaining power on the global stage. This collective approach would ensure Africa becomes an active participant in global green industrialization. It would also prevent individual nations from being exploited in negotiations.
The government's push for local processing and value addition is a cornerstone of its industrial transformation agenda. This includes initiatives to process bauxite into alumina and aluminum within Ghana. Similarly, plans are underway to ensure lithium mined in Ghana is processed locally. These efforts aim to create higher-paying jobs and boost export revenues. The focus on critical minerals represents a significant opportunity for Ghana to reshape its economic future.