Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Quashie, has called for urgent and deliberate efforts to address persistent challenges within Africa’s mining sector, warning that failure to act could leave future generations burdened with an unsustainable legacy.
Speaking at the African Mining Indaba Conference in Cape Town, Ambassador Quashie acknowledged the mining sector’s pivotal role as a key driver of economic growth across the continent, while stressing that its benefits have often been accompanied by significant obstacles.
The 4-day conference on the theme: “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships”, brought together governments, mining companies, investors, and financiers from across the global mining value chain to explore investment partnerships, policy reforms and the future of mining across the continent.
According to Mr. Quashie, it is the responsibility of the present generation to confront these mining sector challenges head-on.
“It is incumbent on this generation to address those challenges for the sake of those unborn, ensuring that they are not left behind or inherit an unattainable legacy,” he emphasised.
Ambassador Quashie noted that Ghana is not immune to the structural and governance challenges confronting the mining industry and underscored the need for meaningful dialogue guided by African values.
“Ghana is not exempt from these challenges. Thus, we must engage in discussions today that reflect the spirit of Obontu – the idea of mutual recognition and shared humanity, to explore the abundant possibilities our country presents and to foster meaningful partnerships,” he said.
He described Ghana as a “beacon of stability and opportunities” within West Africa, citing positive economic projections.
“According to the World Bank, Ghana is projected to achieve a growth rate of 5.4 per cent in 2026, positioning her among the top performers in the region,” Ambassador Quashie noted.
He attributed this positive outlook to Ghana’s commitment to fiscal discipline, economic reforms and an open investment climate.
The Ambassador further highlighted Ghana’s strategic advantage as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he said significantly enhances the country’s attractiveness to investors.
“This strategic role provides market access to over 1.3 billion people, making Ghana a natural hub for trade and investment,” he stated.
Ambassador Quashie also referenced Ghana’s investment framework, particularly the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, which he described as a critical policy instrument designed to create a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors.
Touching on recent policy interventions, he pointed to the government’s economic reset agenda spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama, which he said is already revitalising key sectors, including mining.
“The reset agenda initiated by the President of Ghana has begun to revitalise the economy and enhance the mining sector, particularly through the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board,” he explained.
He said the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is focused on promoting transparency, curbing gold smuggling and securing maximum economic benefits from the country’s gold resources.
Expressing optimism about the outcomes of the Mining Indaba, Ambassador Quashie encouraged stakeholders and investors to leverage the forum for strategic partnerships.
“I am confident that this forum will serve as a key resource – empowering participants to make informed decisions and uncover pathways for fruitful collaboration and investment,” he said.
