The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed support for President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, particularly the government’s plan to process more of Ghana’s mineral resources locally.

The position was communicated by the Essumejahene, Nana Okyere Kusi Ntrama, at the Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026.

He stressed that Ghana must move beyond exporting raw minerals and focus on processing them locally to create more economic opportunities and support industrial growth.

Asantehene Supports Local Value Addition

According to Nana Okyere Kusi Ntrama, Ghana must ensure that its natural resources bring greater benefits to the country.

He explained that processing minerals locally could help retain more value within the economy, create jobs and encourage the growth of industries linked to mining.

The approach also seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on exporting raw materials without fully benefiting from the additional value that processing and refining can generate.

GoldBod Issues Should Not Overshadow the Agenda

The Asantehene’s representative also acknowledged concerns surrounding the Ghana Gold Board, popularly known as GoldBod.

However, he maintained that such concerns should not distract from the wider goal of improving Ghana’s mineral sector and increasing local participation in the industry.

He also referred to the vision of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who sought to give the country greater control over its natural resources and promote industrial development.

Mahama Pushes for Local Mineral Processing

President Mahama has repeatedly called for Ghana to increase local processing and refining rather than depend heavily on exporting raw minerals.

At the conference, he announced plans to phase out exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030. The proposed policy is expected to cover minerals such as bauxite, manganese, iron and lithium.

The government’s approach aims to encourage investment in local processing facilities and create more opportunities for Ghanaian businesses.

What Local Processing Could Mean for Ghana

Processing more minerals locally could help create jobs, strengthen local industries and increase the economic benefits Ghana receives from its natural resources.

It could also provide opportunities for businesses involved in refining, manufacturing, transportation and other services linked to the mining sector.

However, achieving these benefits will require investment, reliable infrastructure, clear regulations and effective implementation of government policies.

The Asantehene’s support adds to the discussion about how Ghana can make greater use of its mineral wealth to promote long-term economic development.

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