John Dramani Mahama announces 2030 ban on raw material exports

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a comprehensive plan to ban the export of all raw materials from Ghana by 2030, emphasizing a shift toward domestic value addition. Speaking at the Financial Times Africa Summit 2026 in London, the President urged African nations to break their long-standing dependency on foreign aid and accelerate industrialisation to create local jobs. He framed this transition as essential for the continent's economic sovereignty and inclusive growth, noting that Ghana must move beyond being a mere exporter of primary goods.

Central to this economic strategy is the "Accra Reset" initiative, which Mahama leads as Chair of its Presidential Council. The President detailed specific targets for Ghana’s most vital resources, aiming for 100% domestic refining of gold and at least 50% local processing of cocoa beans within the decade. He noted that while 70% of Ghana's gold is already refined locally, further investment is required to retain full value. To support these industrial goals, Mahama outlined a $10 billion infrastructure program and addressed the need for a reformed global financial system to ease borrowing constraints for African nations.

On the sidelines of the summit, the President reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy, stating that the country remains open to diverse international partnerships. Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, Mahama remarked that any assistance committed to fighting terrorism is welcome in the region, including Russian security support. He attributed the delay in deploying a West African standby force to the absence of a UN resolution for necessary financing, defending the right of sovereign nations to seek effective security collaborations wherever they are available.

President Mahama also signaled a major diplomatic move regarding the conflict in Ukraine, announcing his intention to appeal directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire during the upcoming Russia–Africa Summit. He emphasized the importance of global stability for African development and expressed Ghana's willingness to engage with all world powers to promote peace. Following his engagements in London, the President is scheduled to travel to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, to lead the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa and present a report on the continent's security status on October 24.