UNGA81: ‘Critical mineral extraction must not replicate colonial-era exploitation’ – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater local processing of Africa’s critical minerals and natural resources, saying the continent must retain more value from its mineral wealth.

Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2026, President Mahama said Africa must use its natural resources to create jobs, develop industries and strengthen its economies.

He warned against repeating resource extraction patterns that he associated with the colonial era.

“But Africa will not remain a passive arena for a new scramble for resources,” Mahama said.

The President said critical minerals are important to the global transition to clean energy. However, he stressed that their extraction must also generate lasting economic benefits for African countries.

“Critical mineral extraction must not replicate colonial-era exploitation,” he said.

Mahama called for African countries to move beyond exporting raw minerals and invest in local processing and manufacturing.

He said greater value addition would help countries create jobs, strengthen local industries and retain more of the wealth generated from natural resources.

“We will process our minerals at home, build local industries, create dignified jobs for our youth, and retain the value of our natural resources,” Mahama said.

The President also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an important platform for supporting Africa’s industrial development.

Ghana hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, which coordinates the implementation of the continental trade agreement.

According to Mahama, the AfCFTA can help expand intra-African trade while supporting structural transformation and industrial growth.

He said stronger trade among African countries could also create larger markets for locally produced goods and support the expansion of industries across the continent.

Mahama further pointed to Africa’s large population, vast arable land and critical mineral resources as important economic assets.

He argued that these resources give the continent significant potential to play a greater role in the global economy.

The President’s comments form part of his broader call for a more equitable global economic system.

He said Africa should not remain mainly a source of raw materials for industries elsewhere.

Instead, African countries should develop the capacity to process their resources, build competitive industries and create more economic opportunities for their people.

Mahama’s remarks place local value addition, industrialisation and job creation at the centre of Africa’s approach to critical minerals and natural resources.

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