The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has taken the striking campaign to make Ghana an exciting destination for mining business in Africa to China.
His first stop, in line with this responsibility, was in Hong-Kong, a city crucially considered as the international financial centre of China where he had an opportunity to engage the Ministry of Finance of Hong-Kong, private sector investors and also the leadership of the Hong-Kong Gold Exchange Centre.
Speaking at separate meetings with these key stakeholders which included captains of the gold industry in Hong-Kong, the Minister explained in detail the primary focus of the administration of President John Dramani Mahama in the management of Ghana’s natural resources including gold.
Hong Kong Gold Exchange (HKGX), which has served the precious metals industry with distinction for instance, he underscored, would serve as the leading learning curve for Ghana.
“It remains the sole spot for gold and silver exchange which must therefore attract Ghana’s interest.”
Stressing on essence of cooperation, he mentioned exchange programmes, and capacity building as part of measures required to cement the relationship between government of Ghana and government of Hong-Kong.
“There is a place for us to work together. Ghana is the place for gold exploration and has value for trading. We are ready to collaborate with you,” he remarked.
Chairman of Hong-Kong Gold Exchange Dr. Haywood Cheung, who welcomed the Minister and his delegation, said HKGX remains committed to unlocking the value of gold potential while serving the local and global markets with integrity, transparency, and excellence.
Ghana, as Africa’s leading producer of the commodity, he underscored therefore stands to gain significantly from this dedicated service backed by many years of experience.
The story of Hong-Kong Gold Exchange
Hong-Kong Gold Exchange he revealed was established in 2025 through the corporatized restructuring of an institution previously known as Chinese Gold & Silver Exchange Society(CGSE).
This institution, he said, historically developed into an over 115 years of legacy in the management of natural resources and reserves.
The new face of the organization, he explained was however officially changed and unveiled on January 1, 2025.
New working relationship with Ghana
The Hong-Kong Gold Exchange, he told the government delegation, wants to develop a new working relationship with government of Ghana.
This would place brazing chapter on Ghana’s gold, the prime natural resource as part of the Hong Kong’s precious metals industry management.
The invitation to Ghana to visit the Hong-Kong Gold Exchange, he noted, was in essence to help improve Ghana’s mining industry.
In addition, it would store, insure, and add the value required to protect the natural resource for the benefit of Ghanaians.
The partnership, he added, necessitated the visit of the Minister to Hong-Kong to engage all high-profile stakeholders along the value chain It afforded the Minister to familiarise himself with operations of Hong-Kong Gold Exchange and how best Ghana could explore opportunities in there for sustainable development and management of the country’s gold industry.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, who accompanied the Minister, projected the trajectory performance of Ghana’s mining industry and emphasized particularly on gold production.
He noted that research conducted by geologists and mining experts indicate that Ghana has trillions worth of gold still stuck in the soil and would require serious investment to unlock the potential.
The Director of Mines at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Kwame Ahoma, who had an opportunity to throw more light on the prospects of Ghana’s natural resources and its governance structure said proper regulatory frameworks have been put in place by government to rationalise introduction of new policies required to properly position the industry competitively.
The introduction of GoldBod, the effective role being played by central bank of Ghana, the prudent management of gold reserves accruing forty (40) tonnes within one year, he explained all contributed to stabilise Ghana’s economy.
“It has stabilised our currency, and the national economy while creating value as the ultimate goal in natural resource governance.”
To this end, he said government of Ghana would want to see more of these positive signs happening through the gold trade.
Ghana’s Consular General in Hong-Kong Edward Tsuii, who served as the liaison explained major steps to be taken by the parties following conclusion of discussions.
These would include signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September and reciprocal visit by the executive of Hong-Kong Gold Exchange.
Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Ambassador Kojo Bonsu, who received the Minister, subsequently accompanied him to all the various meetings held.
Ambassador Kojo Bonsu described the proposed storage, insurance, and trading of Ghana’s gold by the Exchange as appetising and growth-oriented financially.
The three major objectives being proposed by the Hong-Kong Gold Exchange, are currently on table for consideration.
“It is going to be a win-win situation for Ghana,” Ambassador Kojo Bonsu said.
He assured the Chinese investors of President John Dramani Mahama’s prudent management of Ghana’s economy and the conducive business climate judiciously being put in place as part of measures to realise Ghana’s resetting transformational agenda.
On behalf of leadership, Chairman of the Hong-Kong Gold Exchange Dr. Haywood Cheung presented a symbolic gift to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to signify beginning of the new working relationship.
The Hong-Kong Gold Exchange is currently formed by 147 exchange shareholder members, and offers comprehensive facilities, services and trading platform for participants in precious metals trading.
The Exchange has experienced significant growth, with daily trading volumes reaching hundreds of billions of Hong Kong dollars.