Learning from Gold: Why Ghana must take a stronger national stake in its lithium future

Ghana is at a pivotal moment in its mineral history, one that could shape its economic future for the next century.

Following over a hundred years of gold mining, the discovery of commercially viable lithium deposits in the Central, Western, and Volta Regions signals a new era of opportunity.

Often referred to as “white gold,” lithium is fundamental to modern technology. It powers electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, smartphones, and even the data centers that support artificial intelligence (AI). 

As the world moves toward electrification and automation, lithium will be as crucial in the 21st century as oil was in the 20th. However, Ghana must ensure that it does not repeat the mistakes of its gold mining history.

Lessons from Gold

For decades, Ghana has been one of the world’s leading producers of gold, yet the benefits to the nation have often been insufficient. Despite generating billions in export revenue, much of the wealth from gold mining has left the country, leaving mining communities underdeveloped and Ghana still reliant on imported mining equipment.

Issues such as foreign ownership dominance, profit repatriation, weak value addition, and limited local participation have been consistent challenges. 

Ghana has mainly served as a supplier of raw materials rather than a participant in the entire economic value chain.

If the lithium sector follows the same trajectory as gold, Ghana risks becoming merely a conduit for resource extraction during the global clean energy transition, while failing to achieve meaningful industrialization.

Why Lithium is Different and More Strategic

Lithium is not just another commodity; it is a critical mineral in the global shift toward clean energy and digital technology. Demand for lithium is expected to rise dramatically as countries transition to electric mobility and renewable energy. Key uses for lithium include:

• Electric vehicles (EVs) require lithium-ion batteries.
• Renewable energy systems depend on lithium for grid storage.
• AI and data centers utilize lithium-powered backups for uninterrupted computing.

This means that lithium will impact geopolitics, trade, and national security in ways similar to those seen with oil and gold in previous decades. Countries that control and refine lithium, such as China and Australia, are positioning themselves as leaders in the clean technology economy. Ghana cannot afford to be a mere observer in this landscape.

The Case for National Participation and Strategic Control

Ghana’s government and policymakers must approach lithium development with foresight, learning from experience in the gold and oil sectors. Here are key actions Ghana should take:

1. Increase State Equity in Lithium Projects: The government must secure a minimum 40% to 70% ownership stake in all large-scale lithium operations. This ensures that a significant share of future profits remains within the country, funding vital areas such as infrastructure, education, and technology.
2. Establish a Ghana Lithium Corporation (GLC): Similar to national lithium companies in countries like Chile (e.g., SQM, Codelco Lithium), Ghana should create a state-led entity responsible for coordinating exploration, forming partnerships, processing, and conducting research related to lithium.
3. Mandate Local Processing and Refining: To avoid repeating the mistakes made in the gold sector, Ghana should require local beneficiation, ensuring lithium is refined into battery-grade carbonate or hydroxide within the country. This approach will create jobs, attract technology, and build industrial capacity.
4. Develop a Lithium Industrial Park: With government support and private investment, Ghana can establish a Battery and Electric Vehicle Materials Industrial Park. This park will integrate lithium refining, cathode manufacturing, and recycling, aligning with Africa’s push for value addition under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
5. Strengthen Environmental and Community Safeguards: Lithium extraction must be conducted responsibly. The government should implement strict environmental impact standards, protect water resources, and ensure that host communities share in the benefits through infrastructure and education initiatives.
6. Use Lithium Revenue for Future-Oriented Development: Ghana should channel revenues from lithium into a Green Future Fund focused on renewable energy, digital skills, and research in battery technology. This will ensure that the mineral drives innovation rather than dependency.

A Global Opportunity for Ghana

Global powers are already competing for access to Africa’s lithium resources. The United States, China, and the European Union all recognize that whoever controls battery minerals will shape the clean energy economy. With its emerging lithium deposits, Ghana has a unique opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength. 

Instead of signing away substantial concessions for quick revenue, Ghana can leverage partnerships that include:

• Technology transfer and training programs for Ghanaian engineers.
• Equity participation and profit-sharing mechanisms.
• Commitments to local research institutions such as the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT).

This approach can transform Ghana from a mere supplier into a strategic player in the global battery supply chain.

The Role of Mining and Minerals Engineers in the Lithium Transition

Mining and mineral engineers play a crucial role in shaping this new era, encompassing exploration, processing, sustainability, and automation. 

– We must design efficient mines that are low-carbon and socially responsible. 

– We need to develop local processing technology and advocate for value retention. 

– It is essential to integrate environmental management, water recycling, and community involvement into every stage of lithium development.

As Ghana enters the lithium age, the technical leadership of its engineers will determine whether we merely extract resources or truly transform them.

Conclusion: From Extraction to Empowerment

The discovery of lithium in Ghana represents more than just the mining of another mineral; it is about positioning the nation for the future of energy and technology. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the gold experience, where vast resources left the country without significant transformation. Instead, Ghana must nationalize a fair share of its lithium wealth, mandate local processing, and strategically invest in industries that will drive the next industrial revolution, such as electrification and artificial intelligence.

If we make wise decisions today, lithium could be the turning point—the moment Ghana shifts from exporting raw potential to owning its future.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.