Accra: The Open Society Foundations (OSF) has convened a significant gathering of policymakers, researchers, civil society actors, and other stakeholders from across Africa for a three-day conference in Accra. The high-level event aims to shape a new governance agenda for Africa's critical minerals, focusing on sustainable development, democratic governance, and conflict prevention in resource-rich communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the conference, held from July 27 to 29, is examining strategies to leverage Africa's vast critical mineral resources while ensuring these assets contribute to broad-based economic and social benefits. Key discussions involve strengthening transparency, accountability, inclusion, and respect for human rights in mineral governance.
Dr. Chukwuemeka B. Eze, Director of the Democratic Futures in Africa Programme at OSF, emphasized the conference's focus on developing practical strategies centered around good governance in the critical minerals sector. He highlighted the importance of moving beyond treating critical minerals, governance, and conflict as isolated issues by fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, CEO of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), stressed the need for strong institutions and inclusive governance systems to ensure Africa's mineral resources contribute to meaningful development. He advocated for building industries, creating jobs, and generating shared prosperity rather than merely extracting minerals.
Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Senior Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy Policy, urged African nations to utilize their mineral resources to industrialize their economies and warned against the historical pattern of exporting raw materials without value addition. He called for stronger regional cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to support mineral processing and industrial development.
The conference comes amid rising global demand for critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies and digital manufacturing. Organizers anticipate the engagement will generate actionable recommendations to strengthen governance, promote regional cooperation, and drive industrialization and inclusive growth across Africa.