President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called on investors in the United States to consider Ghana as the number one investment destination in the mining industry.
He said Ghana is not just the best place to do business in Africa, but also one of the fastest growing economies on the continent, making investment in the country viable and lucrative.
He stressed that Ghana is ready to engage investors, both in the traditional minerals and the green minerals, referred to as the minerals of the future. He assured that the government remains committed to translating the volumes of minerals mined into wealth to benefit all stakeholders equitably, including the larger populace, as optimally as possible.
The President made the call during an investor Roundtable held on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Roundtable
The Investor Roundtable was organised by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in partnership with Anglogold Ashanti and JP Morgan Chase & Co., an American multinational investment bank and financial services.
The high level event, which was attended by global giants in the mining industry, as well as bond and equity investors, such as American International Group, PIMCO, Lord Abbett, HSBC Asset Investment and Schroder Investment, created a platform for Government to directly engage the investor community on investment potential in the mining industry in Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the private sector has a fundamental role to play in Ghana’s economic recovery programme, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine.
He said the country is blessed with a lot of minerals, including green minerals, required for the green energy transition, such as lithium.
The President also recounted the mining industry’s contribution to Ghana’s economy, saying “Government is looking forward to work with the private sector to further develop the industry”.
Best destination
The President further called on the investor community to take advantage of Ghana’s long history in democratic accountability, adherence to the principles of rule of law, respect for the sanctity of contracts, stable regulatory environmental and favourable fiscal regime and choose Ghana as their destination for mining investment.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Anglogold Ashanti, Alberto Calderon, touted Ghana as one of the best places for mining investment. He recounted the operations and experience of Anglogold Ashanti, saying their decision to partner the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources was because of their positive experience in the country.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, said the siting of the headquarters of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Accra makes Ghana the commercial capital of Africa.
This, he noted, is a testimony to Government’s commitment to creating a resilient, self-sufficient and robust economy for Ghana.
Mr Jinapor added that it will not just be meant for mining, but through beneficiation build the full value chain of the mineral resources in the country.
In attendance at the Roundtable event were the Board Chairperson of the Minerals Commission, Barbara Oteng Gyasi; the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Yoofi Grant.
