Ghana has emerged as a global leader in mining labor quality, ranking first in the world for the availability of skilled workers in the sector, according to the 2025 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies. The survey highlights the country’s workforce as a critical factor encouraging investment, even as Ghana’s overall ranking for mining …
Ghana’s skilled mining workforce tops global rankings, but investment slips
Ghana has emerged as a global leader in mining labor quality, ranking first in the world for the availability of skilled workers in the sector, according to the 2025 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies.
The survey highlights the country’s workforce as a critical factor encouraging investment, even as Ghana’s overall ranking for mining investment attractiveness has declined.
The Fraser Institute’s Investment Attractiveness Index places Ghana 53rd out of 68 jurisdictions globally, down from 46th in 2024.
The Policy Perception Index (PPI), which assesses government policies affecting exploration, also reflected a downward trend, with Ghana ranking 50th out of 68. Investors pointed to regulatory hurdles, gaps in the country’s geological database, infrastructure limitations, and taxation complexities as key factors dampening broader investment appeal.
Despite these challenges, Ghana’s mining workforce stands out on the global stage. Survey respondents praised the quality, accessibility, and expertise of local employees, emphasizing that skilled labor is a major incentive for continuing operations and exploring new opportunities. The country’s human capital advantage is particularly notable in a continent where labor shortages and training gaps often constrain mining development.
“The quality and availability of our workforce remain world-class,” said industry analysts, noting that Ghana’s mining professionals bring both technical expertise and experience in large-scale operations.
This reputation positions Ghana favorably compared to other African jurisdictions, many of which face both security and skill deficits.
While investment rankings have slipped due to policy and regulatory concerns, Ghana’s workforce strength provides a foundation for growth.
With targeted improvements in infrastructure, regulatory transparency, and exploration data, experts say the country could translate its labor advantage into renewed investor confidence and stronger global competitiveness in the mining sector.
