The government has announced plans to ban the export of raw manganese and bauxite by the end of 2030 as part of efforts to expand local mineral processing and create jobs.

Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, disclosed this during the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

He said the government would invest US$1.5 billion under its New Economy Programme to establish a mineral processing industry focused on manganese, bauxite, lithium and gold.

The minister announced that at least 50% of Ghana’s manganese and bauxite would be processed locally by the end of 2028, with full local processing targeted for 2030.

“By the end of 2030, Ghana will process all its manganese and bauxite locally and prohibit raw manganese and bauxite exports,” he stated.

Dr Ato Forson also announced plans to end the export of unrefined gold from the artisanal and small-scale mining sector by December 2028.

He explained that at least 70% of gold produced by small-scale miners would be refined locally by December 2027, with the target increasing to 100% by December 2028.

Under the programme, Ghana’s bauxite resources will support the production of alumina and aluminium, while lithium processing will gradually expand to include the production of battery materials and components.

The Finance Minister further disclosed that the government would establish a 24-hour critical minerals processing enclave in the Western Region to support the country’s mineral processing industry.

He said the success of the programme would be measured by the value retained in Ghana, increased export earnings, the creation of skilled jobs, the participation of local suppliers and the transfer of technology.

Environmental performance would also form part of the programme’s assessment.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader plan to move Ghana away from exporting raw minerals towards processing them locally to boost export earnings and promote industrial development.

DR/MA


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