High-Level Conference on Governance, Critical Minerals and Conflict in Africa

The OSF Critical Minerals Policy Lab

Accra, Ghana | 26 – 30 July 2026

Welcome to Accra!

Welcome to the High-Level Conference on Governance, Critical Minerals and Conflict in Africa.

The Open Society Foundations (OSF)is delighted to welcome you to Accra, Ghana for this important continental convening.

This conference brings together policymakers, regional institutions, civil society leaders, researchers, community representatives, peacebuilding practitioners, private sector actors, and development partners to explore the future of governance, critical minerals, democracy, peace, and development in Africa.

Unlike a traditional conference, this convening has been designed as the Governance, Critical Minerals and Conflict in Africa Policy Lab – an immersive, participatory experience that moves beyond discussion towards collaboration, problem-solving, and actionable recommendations.

This guide has been prepared to support your journey from your arrival in Ghana through to your departure.

Event Overview

Conference Title: High-Level Conference on Governance, Critical Minerals and Conflict in Africa

Conference Format: OSF Critical Minerals Policy Lab

Dates: 27 – 29 July 2026

Arrival Date: Sunday, 26 July 2026

Departure Date: Thursday, 30 July 2026

Host: Open Society Foundations (OSF)

Conference Management Partner: Admedia Communications

Venue: Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, Ghana

Before You Travel

Prior to departure, all delegates will receive:

• Individual flight itinerary.

• Hotel confirmation details.

• Conference agenda.

• Delegate information pack.

• Airport arrival instructions.

• Emergency contact list.

• Digital conference materials.

Please ensure:

• Passport validity extends at least six months beyond travel date.

• A minimum of three (3) open pages are required in your passport. You may be denied boarding if you do not have sufficient open pages in your passport.

• Visa requirements have been completed where applicable. Make sure your visa (if required) has been issued correctly – dates on your visa must match your dates of travel, and your passport number must match the passport number on your visa.

• Travel insurance documentation is available.

• Yellow fever vaccination card.

• Emergency contacts are updated.

It is important to note that while Ghana offers a visa-free policy for citizens of African countries, travellers are still required to formally apply for and obtain a visa before entering the country. The visa is issued free of charge, meaning no application or processing fees are payable. However, approval remains subject to the discretion of the Ghanaian immigration authorities. Please check your country: https://www.passportindex.org/travel-visa-checker/

Arriving in Ghana

Sunday, 27 July 2026: Arrival Airport

All delegates will arrive through:

Kotoka International Airport (ACC)

Accra, Ghana

Upon arrival:

1. Proceed through Immigration.

2. Collect checked luggage.

3. Proceed through Customs.

4. Exit into the Arrivals Hall.

Airport Reception

Admedia and OSF representatives will be stationed inside the arrivals area and outside the arrivals’ terminal.

Look out for:

Delegate Reception Desk

Representatives will assist with:

• Arrival confirmation

• Delegate registration verification

• Transfer coordination

• General travel assistance

A dedicated hotline will also be operational throughout the conference period.

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers have been organized for all delegates. Transfer teams will coordinate movement based on arrival schedules to ensure efficient transportation to the hotel.

Approximate transfer time:

15 – 20 minutes (depending on traffic conditions)

Bottled water and snacks will be available upon arrival.

Accommodation

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City

The Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City will serve as both:

• Official accommodation venue.

• Main conference venue.

This minimizes travel requirements and allows delegates to focus on engagement and networking.

Hotel facilities include:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi.

• Multiple restaurants and cafés.

• Fitness centre.

• Swimming pool.

• Business centre.

• Concierge services.

• Foreign exchange services.

Check-In Process

Upon arrival at the hotel:

1. Proceed to the dedicated conference check-in desk.

2. Receive your room key.

3. Collect your Delegate Welcome Pack.

The Delegate Welcome Pack will include:

• Name badge

• Conference programme

• Delegate list

• Venue map

• Session guide

• Conference materials

• Emergency contact information

Welcome Evening

Sunday, 26 July 2026

The arrival day serves as the first stage of the Policy Lab experience.

Delegates are encouraged to:

• Settle into the hotel.

• Familiarize themselves with conference facilities.

• Meet fellow participants.

• Attend informal networking opportunities.

This period provides an opportunity to begin building relationships

before formal sessions commence.

The Policy Lab Experience

The conference has been intentionally structured around three interconnected stages:

Day One:

Context and Confrontation

Exploring the intersection between governance, critical minerals and conflict in Africa.

Key sessions include:

• Keynote Address: “A Catalyst for Democratic Renewal, Peace, and Inclusive Development”

• Fireside chat: Africa at the Crossroads: Navigating Global Geopolitical Competition in the Critical Minerals Era Conflict, Peace and Reparative Justice.

Day Two:

Collaboration and Co-Creation

Moving from understanding challenges to exploring solutions.

Key sessions include:

• Interactive Dialogue Labs.

• Economic Transformation.

• Human Rights and Community Agency.

• Accountability Innovations.

• Youth and Women Inclusion.

Day Three:

Alignment and Commitment

Consolidating discussions into practical recommendations and collective commitments.

Key sessions include:

• Interactive Dialogue Labs.

• Community Voices.

• Reporting Back.

• Adoption of Outcomes.

• Closing Session.

During the Conference

Registration will open daily from 08:00.

Delegates are encouraged to:

• Arrive early for sessions.

• Wear conference badges at all times.

• Participate actively in discussions.

• Respect session time allocations.

• Engage with participants from different sectors and regions.

The conference has been designed to encourage meaningful interaction and cross-sector dialogue.

Interpretation Services

Simultaneous interpretation services will be available throughout the

conference.

Languages:

• English.

• French.

• Portuguese.

Interpretation headsets will be available at registration.

Meals and Refreshments

The conference package includes:

• Daily breakfast (through hotel accommodation).

• Morning refreshments.

• Lunch.

• Afternoon refreshments.

Dinner arrangements are independent unless otherwise communicated. Each delegate will be allocated a daily dinner allowance to cover dinner expenses. A list of recommended restaurants has been provided for your convenience; however, delegates are welcome to dine at a restaurant of their choice.

If this is your first visit to the country or you are unfamiliar with the surrounding area, please exercise caution and adhere to all recommended safety protocols when travelling to and from your dinner venue.

Nearby Dining Options

Delegates wishing to explore Accra during free periods may consider restaurants and cafés located within short distance of the hotel.

Options include:

• Papaye Fast Foods

• Buka Restaurant

• Santoku

• Tea Baa

• Coco Lounge

• Urban Grill

• Kozo Restaurant

• Skybar25

Hotel concierge staff can assist with reservations and directions.

Restaurants: While tipping in these scenarios is not obligatory in Ghana, it is typically appreciated in restaurants, cafes, and bars, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. If you are pleased with the service, a tip of around 10% of the total bill is considered generous.

Hotel staff: In hotels, tips for good service are common.

Taxis: Tipping is not usually expected by taxi drivers in Ghana, but if the driver assists with your luggage or provides excellent service, a small tip of about 10% of the fare or simply rounding up the fare would be appreciated.

Useful Facilities Near Kempinski

Within central Accra, delegates will find:

• Banking facilities and ATMs.

• Foreign exchange services.

• Pharmacies.

• Shopping centres.

• Cultural attractions.

• Restaurants and cafés.

Major locations include:

• Independence Square.

• Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

• National Theatre.

• Accra Mall.

• Oxford Street, Osu.

The official currency in Ghana is Ghanaian Cedis (GHS). Credit cards are accepted at major shopping malls and hotels. Kindly verify that cards are accepted before you make your purchase. You are also advised to have some cash with you.

We highly recommend that you review the 14-day weather forecast for Accra before you arrive.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Please bring your personal necessities such as prescribed medicine and personal laptop, etc. If you have any special medication that you are taking, please make sure you bring an adequate supply.

Please refer to the CDC Travel Guide for more information. You are advised to consult with your healthcare professional for their immunization recommendations.

For medical facilities and care, as well as emergencies, International SOS is the preferred provider for OSF. It is recommended to have the International SOS application downloaded to your phone.

Emergency Services – Hospital

The Bank Hospital

2nd Street, Cantonments, Accra

Open 24/7. Equipped outpatient department and emergency unit.

Phone: +233 30 273 9373

Website

Accra City Overview

Like in many other cities, opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, mugging and petty theft, poses a significant risk to all travellers, particularly in crowded markets, tourist areas and at beaches.

The Ghana Meteorological Agency has stated that the country is in the middle of its rainy season and that more severe rainfall is likely in the coming days. Due to heavy rainfall, the ground is heavily saturated and there is a strong likelihood of flooding from light rain.

Safety recommendations

• Remain aware of your surroundings. Avoid becoming distracted – particularly in unfamiliar locations. Limit the use of phones, headphones and other “distractors” when moving on foot. Avoid leaving personal items unattended or in plain sight.

• Maintain constant situational awareness and exercise caution when handling cash or payment cards. When using ATMs, particularly in city centres, remain alert to your surroundings, and always keep credit cards within sight during transactions at shops, hotels, or other payment locations.

• Pay attention to local news and alerts: Exercise caution in the flood affected areas and follow all directives issued by the authorities. Monitor the NADMO website for information on emergency response efforts and the Ghana Meteorological Agency website and X page for updates on weather forecasts and warnings.

• Be prepared – Where possible, have a plan to leave locations where you might consider there is a potential risk.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Fire service: 112 / 192. Police: 18555 / 191

A dedicated support team will be available throughout the conference.

Delegates requiring assistance should contact:

• Conference Help Desk.

• Admedia Delegate Support Team.

• OSF Conference Secretariat.

Emergency procedures will be communicated during registration.

Departure Information

Thursday, 30 July 2026

Departure transfers will be organized according to individual flight schedules.

Delegates are advised to:

• Confirm departure details with the conference help desk.

• Complete hotel check-out requirements.

• Allow sufficient time for airport procedures.

Transfer schedules will be communicated at least 24 hours before departure.

Staying Connected After the Conference

The Policy Lab does not end when the conference concludes.

Following the conference, delegates will receive:

• Conference communiqué

• Outcome statement

• Conference report

• Presentation materials

• Follow-up engagement opportunities

The goal is to continue strengthening dialogue, partnerships, and collective action on governance, critical minerals, democracy, and peace across Africa.

Conference Secretariat

For any logistical or operational support before, during, or after the conference, delegates may contact:

Conference Secretariat

Africa Futures Conference Programme Coordinator

Name: Mildred Thabane

Email: africafuturesconference@admedia.co.ke

Telephone: +27 69 653 3075

OSF Representatives

Open Society Foundations

Name: Ayanda Zwane

Email: ayanda.zwane@opensocietyfoundations.org

Telephone: +27 83 457 7439

Open Society Foundations

Name: Nonkululeko Buthelezi

Email: Nonkululeko.buthelezi@opensocietyfoundations.org

Telephone: +27 63 298 4127

Open Society Foundations

Name: Viviane Mbombo

Email: viviane.mbombo@opensocietyfoundations.org

Telephone: +221 772064563/ WhatsApp +232 78383915

Please ensure you have downloaded, installed, and activated the International SOS app.

We look forward to welcoming you to Accra and to your participation in shaping a more democratic, peaceful, and equitable future for critical minerals governance in Africa.