New delhi: Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has showcased Ghana's mining and energy opportunities to global investors at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) India-Africa Business Conclave at New Delhi, India.
According to Ghana News Agency, the 20th CII India-Africa Business Conclave brought together prominent leaders, including the Vice President of India, heads of state and government, senior ministers, diplomats, industry leaders, and business delegates from India and Africa for a high-level dialogue on the mining and energy sectors. Mr. Nelson, speaking at the event, commended the President of CII and the entire team for their efforts in strengthening partnerships and alliances between the Indian government and businesses, and their African counterparts.
He noted that the 20th CII Conclave provided a unique platform for participating states to leverage their resource potential for mutual and sustainable benefits. The Regional Minister highlighted the vast opportunities in Ghana's mining and energy sector, mentioning that Ghana has been mining for centuries and only recently discovered oil, making the country an anchor for the energy and mining sectors.
Mr. Nelson reported that the mining sector contributed an estimated GH?11.7 billion to the GDP in 2023 and GH?17.7 billion in 2024. He added that the total share of the mining sector to the government of Ghana's total revenue was 8.6 per cent and 9.5 per cent in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Ghana occupies the sixth position globally and number one in Africa as one of the top producers of gold, with various minerals including gold, diamond, bauxite, manganese, iron, and industrial minerals such as limestone, silica, clay, kaolin, sand, granite, quartz, salt, and the recently commercial discovery of lithium.
Mr. Nelson assured the business delegates from India and Africa that Ghana was actively working to fully explore its hydrocarbon potentials, particularly natural gas, to achieve a sustainable energy mix. He emphasized the importance of reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy requirements for the mining sector and expressed commitment to private sector participation in providing cheaper and greener energy sources to drive growth in the mining sector. The 20th CII India-Africa Business Conclave is a three-day event focused on harnessing critical minerals for a sustainable future.
