Ghana is strategically positioning itself to become a major player in the global lithium industry, with a strong focus on local processing and value addition.
Speaking at the 21st Annual General Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) in Geneva, Wisdom Puplampu, Assistant Manager for Research and Statistics at the Minerals Commission, outlined Ghana’s vision to transform its emerging lithium sector into a driver of industrialization and sustainable growth.
He said Ghana’s lithium resources, notably the hard-rock spodumene deposits in the Central and Western Regions, hold transformative potential for the nation’s economy. The flagship Ewoyaa Lithium Project, spearheaded by Atlantic Lithium Limited, has made significant progress through feasibility studies, permitting processes, and state equity participation through the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).
Puplampu disclosed that several exploration licenses have been granted to new investors, reflecting growing global interest in Ghana’s lithium prospects. He emphasized that the country is moving away from the traditional “dig-and-ship” approach toward domestic processing and value retention.
“Under Ghana’s Green Minerals Policy, mining firms are required to evaluate the local conversion of lithium and its by-products such as feldspar for the ceramics industry,” he explained.
“This will not only enhance industrial supply chains but also create skilled jobs and boost our clean energy transition.”
According to Puplampu, the government’s approach combines investment attraction with national benefit through local content provisions, MIIF equity participation, and incentives for domestic processing.
Transparent governance, environmental safeguards, and parliamentary oversight, he added, are helping to build investor confidence and ensure sustainability.
He noted that as global demand for lithium intensifies, Ghana’s stable and transparent investment climate positions it as a reliable partner and regional hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“With the right partnerships and focus on local processing, Ghana is not just aiming to be a supplier of raw lithium, but a co-developer of industrial capacity contributing to a resilient global supply chain,” Puplampu concluded.
The Ghanaian delegation at the IGF included senior officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Attorney General’s Department, the Minerals Commission, and the Ghana Revenue Authority.