The 12th Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA) has recorded a significant rise in participation, with entries increasing by 31.4 per cent, while submissions in the media category have tripled.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines, organisers of the awards, said 113 entries were received for the 2026 edition, up from 86 entries recorded in the previous year.
The increase reflects growing stakeholder interest in the awards and reinforces its reputation as a credible platform for recognising excellence across Ghana’s mining industry.
The most notable growth has been recorded in the media category, which received nine entries this year compared with an average of three entries annually in previous editions—representing a threefold increase.
The Chamber said the development was particularly encouraging given the critical role of the media in informing the public, promoting accountability and deepening understanding of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of mining.
Commenting on the close of nominations, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, said the rise in entries was a strong endorsement of the awards scheme.
“The rise from 86 to 113 entries is a strong endorsement of the Ghana Mining Industry Awards.”
He said the Chamber had, over the past 12 years, worked to establish a rigorous, transparent and respected awards process that celebrates excellence and encourages continuous improvement across the mining industry.
Dr Ashigbey also welcomed the growth in the female technical and non-technical categories, as well as the media category, saying the trends reflected increasing interest in women’s participation and informed and responsible mining journalism.
Following the close of nominations, the Adjudicating Board has commenced assessment of the entries against established criteria for each category.
The review will focus on evidence, measurable impact, innovation, professional standards, sustainability and contribution to the advancement of Ghana’s mining industry.
Upon completion of the adjudication, PwC, the auditors for the awards scheme, will conduct an independent validation exercise to provide additional assurance on the integrity, consistency and credibility of the process before nominees are announced.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has expressed appreciation to all organisations and individuals who submitted entries and wished participants well as the assessment and validation processes continue.
By: Christian Kpesese/ NR NEWS
