Gov’t re-echoes green energy targets to attract sustainable mining investment
By Eugene Davis
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a greener mining future, announcing concrete targets to integrate 20% renewable energy into mining operations by 2030 and cut sector emissions by 15% by 2027.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 West African Mining and Power Exhibition (WAMPEX) in Accra, Mr. Buah noted that this agenda aligns with Ghana’s revised Energy Transition Framework, which now targets net zero emissions by 2060—10 years earlier than previously pledged. The roadmap includes scaling up renewables, converting thermal plants to natural gas, and exploring nuclear power integration.
Highlighting four pillars of Ghana’s mining strategy—Investor Confidence, Community Impact, Environmental Stewardship, and Transparent Governance—the Minister underscored that the newly discovered lithium reserves will be developed under strict green energy principles.
“We’re building a mining industry that delivers shared value, not just profit,” Mr. Buah stated. “Our doors are open to ethical investors ready to embrace sustainable, responsible growth. Ghana is not just rich in minerals—we offer meaningful partnership.”
He noted that Ghana’s competitive advantage lies in its stable legal framework, modern infrastructure, and skilled workforce. “Here, success is measured not only in financial returns but in lives transformed and ecosystems preserved,” he added.
The 18th edition of WAMPEX, themed “The Investment Hub: Driving Sustainable Investment Opportunities in West Africa,” has attracted over 240 exhibitors from 20 countries, with more than 8,000 attendees expected during the three-day event.
Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, also addressed the forum, noting that energy access must accelerate—not obstruct—mining growth. He laid out government plans to diversify the energy mix, reduce carbon intensity, promote natural gas as a transitional fuel, and enhance electricity access and reliability.
Acting CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, called on West Africa to rise to global demand for critical minerals by creating competitive, ESG-aligned investment ecosystems. “Sustainable investment goes beyond finance—it’s about building institutions, enforcing transparent regulations, and creating long-term local value,” he said. He also announced that WAMPEX will now be an annual event, merging its exhibition and conference formats.
Chamber President, Michael Edem Akafia, echoed the call for sustainability, stressing its centrality in community engagement, fiscal policy design, environmental governance, and skills development. “Sustainability is no longer a choice—it is the foundation for the sector’s future,” he declared.
