Ghana’s gold sector experience important, we will work things out – Hichilema
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia will draw lessons from Ghana’s experience in managing its gold sector following closed-door talks with Ghanaian President John Mahama.
President Hichilema disclosed this yesterday after the two Heads of State held private talks and later chaired a bilateral meeting at State House, which was followed by another closed-door session involving the Ghanaian delegation.
Speaking during the bilateral meeting, President Hichilema said discussions centred on issues of strategic importance to both countries, particularly mining, with emphasis on gold.
He said it was time for Zambia to carefully study Ghana’s approach to managing large-scale, small-scale and artisanal mining to avoid repeating mistakes experienced in the West African country.
“We need to work together not just as presidents, but as businesses for our people. We want to build on the work that Ghana has already invested in, which is relevant to us, and learn how to deal with other important issues,” said President Hichilema.
The Head of State further revealed that President Mahama shared insights on Ghana’s economic restructuring efforts, including reforms in fiscal discipline and the rule of law.
President Hichilema has maintained that Zambia’s mineral wealth must benefit all citizens and not illegal miners.
And President Mahama said the two leaders acknowledged that both countries face similar challenges in the mining sector and agreed to share experiences.
“We discussed issues to do with the mining industry because both of us have mining sectors facing the same challenges. We talked about artisanal mining, small-scale mining and large multinational operations, and how we can share experiences,” said President Mahama.
“We also discussed agriculture. We will elevate the relationship to higher levels. We have to go beyond dialogue and move into economic consolidation and stronger bilateral economic relations,” he stated.
According to reports from Ghanaian media, the West African nation significantly transformed its gold sector between 2021 and 2025, increasing its gold reserves from eight tonnes in 2023 to about 35 tonnes by 2025.
The reforms strengthened foreign exchange reserves, stabilised the currency and generated about US$5 billion through increased state ownership and control of the subsector.
Meanwhile, President Mahama also addressed parliament yesterday where he urged African countries to pursue economic independence and redefine their development path.
“We must win the economic fight for economic transformation and prosperity for our people. Africa must redefine its development trajectory. Too many African countries remain trapped in what I described as triple dependency. Dependency on external actors for security choices, dependency on donors for health and education systems and dependency on supplies of critical minerals,” he said.
“This condition undermines genuine sovereignty. A crisis can sharpen resolve. Africa must take its destiny into its own hands.”
President Mahama’s three-day State Visit ends today, with Zambia and Ghana signing eight memoranda of understanding focused on mining, agriculture and other areas of cooperation.
By George Musonda
Kalemba, February 6, 2026