Partnerships key to unlocking Ghana’s mineral wealth – MIIF CEO

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Justina Nelson, has stated that deeper partnerships with international investors are key to unlocking Ghana’s mineral potential and driving greater value addition in the mining sector. According to her, Ghana’s mineral wealth offered significant opportunities for investors, particularly in bauxite, iron ore, manganese and graphite, as the country seeks to move beyond the export of raw minerals towards value addition and industrial production.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 China (Guangxi)–ASEAN Mining Cooperation Conference in China on Friday, November 6, Mrs. Nelson presented Ghana’s mineral resource potential and outlined investment opportunities for companies seeking to establish partnerships in the country. The conference on the theme: “Empowering China-ASEAN Mining Cooperation, Innovation and Development” brought together government officials, mining industry leaders, investors and other stakeholders across the world to explore investment opportunities, forge strategic partnerships and promote cooperation across the mining value chain.

Ghana has an estimated 920 million tonnes of bauxite resources, while iron ore deposits at Sheini Hills are estimated at more than 1.7 billion tonnes. The country also has about 5.2 million tonnes of manganese resources, alongside opportunities for graphite exploration and further development within the Cape Coast lithium belt. Mrs Nelson outlined several areas for potential investment, including new and existing mining projects, joint ventures between foreign mining companies and Ghanaian contract miners, as well as the local manufacture of mining consumables.

She further identified opportunities in alumina refining, smelting technology, iron and steel production, and the manufacture of battery-grade manganese, all of which could support the development of Ghana’s domestic mineral processing industry. A key area she highlighted was the development of an integrated iron and steel industry. According to her, domestic mine-to-steel production could potentially replace about US$528 million in annual iron and steel imports, based on 2023 figures.

Mrs Nelson’s engagement at the conference forms part of MIIF’s broader efforts to promote Ghana as an investment destination and position its mineral resources as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth. Enabling environment The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, said Ghana’s laws and policies were open to investment, adding that the government was committed to creating favourable conditions for international businesses.

He said the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and relevant government agencies remained ready to support investors and facilitate partnerships that would contribute to the development of the mining industry. Therefore, he encouraged Chinese companies to explore opportunities in Ghana’s mining, mineral processing and related industries, emphasising the importance of long-term partnerships that would benefit both countries.