The sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a $450 million manganese refinery in Nsuta, located in the Western Region, is set for November 21.
This project is a significant part of the government’s plan to enhance the value of Ghana’s mineral resources, shifting from raw exports to local processing and value addition.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, during his visit to the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) on October 23, 2024. Speaking to the media, the minister expressed optimism about the imminent start of the refinery, which is seen as a crucial step in advancing Ghana’s industrial goals.
Jinapor praised the management and staff of GMC for their dedicated service and noted that the refinery’s construction will transform the country’s manganese industry by creating jobs, generating more revenue, and developing downstream industries.
“This project is a major milestone for our government and the country’s natural resources sector,” Jinapor stated. “We are at the final stages of preparation, and once construction begins, it will signal the end of raw manganese exports. Instead, we will be adding value to our resources here in Ghana.”
He further explained that collaboration between Ghana and China has advanced the project significantly, with both countries’ teams working together to finalize plans. Parliamentary approval for the fiscal regime is one of the last steps before construction begins.
The refinery is a core element of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision to make Ghana a hub for mineral processing, which aligns with the broader objective of industrializing the country’s economy. Jinapor emphasized that this marks a new era for the manganese industry, which has long relied on the export of raw materials.
“Once this refinery is operational, it will have a far-reaching impact on employment, downstream industry development, and overall economic growth,” he said, highlighting the positive effects the project will have on both local communities and the national economy.
The refinery’s construction is expected to attract further investments in related sectors, boosting Ghana’s position in the global minerals market and increasing the country’s competitiveness in mineral value addition.