Vice President H.E Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has underscored Ghana’s determination to harness its mineral wealth for local industrialization at the opening of the Newmont Ahafo North Mine.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice President said, “Our vision is to bring Ghana’s potential for mineral-based industrialization home and make it stay here.” She emphasized that Ghana’s gold reserves should serve as a foundation not only for revenue but also for sustainable national development and local economic empowerment.
“The opening of the Newmont Ahafo North Mine stands as a powerful symbol of partnership and progress, the fruit of collaboration, trust, and shared vision,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said, highlighting the crucial role of cooperation between government, investors, and local communities.
The Vice President reflected on Ghana’s historic connection to gold, noting, “Ghana, our beloved country, cannot be separated from gold. It has shaped our history, sustained our communities, and strengthened our economy.” She added that Ghana’s status as Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth largest is a testament to confidence in its governance, economy, and national potential.
The Ahafo North Mine, which represents an investment exceeding one billion U.S. dollars, demonstrates the country’s ability to attract global investors. “With an investment exceeding one billion U.S. dollars, Ahafo North demonstrates that Ghana offers the stability and capacity to attract global investment,” the Vice President noted.
Highlighting efforts to ensure that mining benefits all Ghanaians, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said, “We have established the Ghana GoldBod and are reviewing the Minerals and Mining Acts to strengthen local participation and enhance transparency for the greater benefit of our people.”
She further called on all stakeholders to safeguard and sustain such investments. “The success of the Ahafo North project reflects what we can achieve when government, business, and communities work hand in hand for sustainable growth. Our collective responsibility is to protect and sustain such investments, ensuring that both local communities and investors benefit from them,” she said.
The Vice President further described the over US$1 billion investment in the Ahafo North Mine as a testament to Ghana’s ability to attract major global investors.
She emphasised that the project would not only boost national revenue but also stimulate development in the Ahafo Region and beyond through local employment and community projects.