Ghana calls for 'partnership of sovereign equals' in mining deals

Ghana has called for stronger partnerships with Russia and other countries that prioritise local processing of minerals and technology transfer, rather than the export of raw materials.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, said future mining partnerships must enable Ghana to add value to its mineral resources and build local expertise.

He delivered the message on behalf of the government at the Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

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

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

Ghana, Africa's leading gold producer, is therefore prioritising partnerships that support domestic processing and strengthen the country's capacity to benefit from its mineral resources.

Tandoh said Ghana was open to sharing knowledge and receiving advanced technology from Russia and other countries, but stressed that such cooperation must be structured to build lasting local capacity.

He said technology transfer should equip Ghanaian engineers and institutions with measurable new skills rather than create a one-sided relationship in which the country exports its resources while relying on foreign expertise.

Tandoh also said Ghana was expanding its focus beyond traditional minerals to include critical resources such as lithium, iron ore and bauxite.

He cited the roles of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) in supporting the development of the country's mineral resources.

According to him, Ghana has strengthened its regulatory framework and introduced digital tools to improve oversight of mining activities.

These include the Minerals Commission's digital Mining Cadastre Administration System (MCAS) and geofencing technology, which are intended to help ensure that mineral rights and mining operations comply with established regulations.

Tandoh also called for a formal Ghana-Russia Mining Cooperation Framework based on reciprocity and mutual benefit.

He said Russia's demand for critical minerals could complement Ghana's resource base, creating opportunities for cooperation in processing, industrial development and technical training.

He further urged that training and industrial collaboration be delivered through Ghanaian institutions to ensure that local professionals and organisations benefit directly.

The Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue, organised by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UNESCO International Competence Centre for Mining Engineering Education and Saint Petersburg Mining University, is bringing together government representatives, academics and industry experts to discuss cooperation in natural resource management, technology and engineering education.

MA