Ghana’s mining industry is taking deliberate steps to ensure that mineral wealth translates into real benefits for the communities where mining takes place.
Speaking at the 11th Ghana Mining Industry Awards held at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra, the President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Michael Edem Akafia, said the sector must be seen as more than an extractive activity.
“Mining communities deserve improved infrastructure, better schools, stronger health systems, access roads, water systems and opportunities for local enterprise,” Mr. Akafia said, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to sustainable development.
In 2024 alone, mining companies invested $28 million in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects, covering education, healthcare, water, and community infrastructure. “If mineral wealth is properly reinvested, mining communities can become centres of innovation and economic diversification,” he added.
Mr. Akafia also highlighted the industry’s efforts to boost local procurement and employment, ensuring that host communities directly benefit from mining operations.
“We will continue to track and improve on host community procurement and employment with a view to enhancing the impact of our interventions and transforming our host communities,” he said.
The Chamber President said that these initiatives are part of a broader vision for Ghana’s mining sector, one where mining drives local enterprise, creates jobs, and supports long-term economic growth. He encouraged collaboration among government, industry, and communities to ensure that mineral wealth is used responsibly and effectively.
The awards event, which celebrates leadership, innovation, and excellence in Ghana’s mining industry, brought together industry executives, regulators, community representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps. Mr. Akafia praised all nominees and award recipients, noting that their efforts demonstrate the sector’s ability to deliver tangible value beyond minerals.
By strategically reinvesting mining revenues, the sector aims to transform host towns into thriving communities, combining economic growth with social development. According to the Chamber, this approach will ensure that Ghana’s mineral wealth benefits both present and future generations.
