Ghana Slips Seven Places in Global Mining Investment Ranking
Ghana has dropped seven places in the latest global assessment of attractive mining investment destinations, underscoring mounting competitive pressure among Africa’s resource-rich economies.
According to the 2025 Annual Survey of Mining Companies released by the Fraser Institute, Ghana ranked 53rd out of 68 jurisdictions on the Investment Attractiveness Index (IAI), down from 46th position in 2024. The country recorded a score of 55.21 this year, compared to 56.98 in the previous survey.
Within Africa, Ghana now trails stronger-performing jurisdictions such as Botswana and Morocco, placing it in the continent’s middle tier for mining investment appeal. The decline suggests that although Ghana remains a significant player in Africa’s mining landscape, it is gradually losing ground in the increasingly competitive race for global exploration capital.
The Investment Attractiveness Index blends assessments of mineral potential and policy perception. Investors assign a 60 percent weight to geology — reflecting the quality and availability of mineral resources — and a 40 percent weight to policy factors, including regulatory stability, taxation and infrastructure.
Ghana’s moderate score indicates that while its mineral endowment remains strong, concerns about regulatory uncertainty, tax policies, infrastructure deficits and land access challenges may be dampening investor confidence.
On the Policy Perception Index, which measures how government policies affect investment decisions, Ghana ranked 50th globally with a score of 53.65. This reinforces perceptions that the country offers a reasonably stable policy environment but lacks the competitive edge of higher-ranking jurisdictions.
The survey was conducted between August and November 2025 and drew responses from 256 mining executives representing companies with a combined exploration budget exceeding US$4.2 billion.
The findings highlight the need for policy reforms and improved investment conditions if Ghana is to strengthen its standing and attract a larger share of global mining capital.
