The Ghana Chamber of Mines has launched the 2025 edition of its annual Sustainability Month, reaffirming the industry’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social development.
The launch, held at the Lancaster City Hotel in Kumasi, brought together industry leaders, government officials, and development partners. The event was led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, who delivered a passionate call for responsible mining.
“Mining has been the backbone of Ghana’s economy for over a century,” Dr. Ashigbey said. “But we are judged, not by ounces extracted, but by the quality of lives transformed.”
He urged stakeholders to redefine success in the sector beyond production metrics, emphasizing that sustainability, human development, and environmental stewardship must guide all mining operations.
Between 2014 and 2023, Ghana’s mineral revenue topped USD 40.15 billion, with over USD 29 billion reinvested into the local financial system through the Bank of Ghana and commercial banks. More than USD 220 million was also invested in corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects during the period.
In 2024 alone, the mining sector contributed GH₵17.7 billion in fiscal payments — a 51.2% increase over the previous year. Dividends to the state rose by over 600%, reaching GH₵1.03 billion, while mineral royalties climbed nearly 77%, from GH₵2.8 billion to GH₵4.9 billion.
“These are not just economic figures,” Dr. Ashigbey stressed. “They represent the positive impact of responsible mineral wealth management, a catalyst for national development and a source of pride for the industry.”
He explained that the Chamber has embedded sustainability at the core of its operations, guided by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Under this framework, the Chamber is investing in clean energy and waste management, promoting human rights and inclusivity, and strengthening governance through transparent collaboration with regulators.
Quoting an African proverb, Dr. Ashigbey reminded participants: “The world was not given to us by our parents; it was lent to us by our children. Our task is to safeguard transgenerational equity, ensuring that the benefits of mining today do not come at the expense of future generations.”
He also addressed the challenges of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), noting that while it provides livelihoods to many, it often undermines environmental sustainability. He called for efforts to integrate ASM into a formal, environmentally responsible framework.
This year’s theme, “Mining Responsibly, Sustaining the Future,” captures the dual mandate facing the industry balancing short-term gains with long-term sustainability.
Throughout October, the Chamber will roll out a series of nationwide initiatives including school outreach programmes, clean-up campaigns, community tree-planting exercises, digital awareness campaigns, and stakeholder webinars to promote ESG awareness.
Dr. Ashigbey cited the late Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General, to reinforce the link between sustainability and human welfare: “We will not enjoy development without security, we will not enjoy security without development, and we will not enjoy either without respect for human rights.”
He concluded by urging collaboration among all stakeholders; government, communities, civil society, and miners to build a mining ecosystem that is “not only profitable but also principled; not only productive but protective of the environment and society.”
“The call is simple,” he said. “Let us mine responsibly, farm sustainably, and grow resiliently so that we can truly sustain the future.”
