The Ghana Chamber of Mines has appointed Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective June 1, 2025. The Chamber has also announced the elevation of Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
This dual appointment marks a strategic evolution within the Chamber, signaling its renewed focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable mining practices as Ghana positions itself for global competitiveness in the extractive industry.
The Chamber’s President, Michael Edem Akafia, Esq., described the appointments as “a new chapter for the Chamber,” adding that the duo brings “combined expertise, leadership, and vision [that] will be instrumental in navigating the dynamic landscape of the mining industry and advancing the interests of our members and the nation.”
Dr Ashigbey, a seasoned engineer and technocrat, transitions from his former role as CEO of the Ghana Telecoms Chamber. His rich and diverse background in media, technology, infrastructure, and engineering places him in a strong position to lead Ghana’s mining industry through a period of strategic reform and modernization.
As CEO, he will be expected to steer the strategic direction of the Chamber, deepen engagement with public and private sector stakeholders, and advance evidence-based policy advocacy to enhance Ghana’s mining competitiveness and sustainability.
Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, who has long served as a policy and corporate affairs expert within the mining industry, assumes the inaugural role of COO. His appointment aligns with the Chamber’s commitment to strengthen operational delivery and internal efficiency.
As COO, Nantogmah will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the Chamber, ensuring effective coordination and execution of strategic initiatives, member services, and stakeholder partnerships.
With a background that blends regulatory insight, advocacy, and corporate governance, Nantogmah is widely regarded as a key architect behind the Chamber’s evolving operational reforms.
Strategic Pivot for Ghana’s Mining Sector
The appointments come at a time when Ghana’s mining sector is facing both significant opportunities and urgent challenges. The country remains one of Africa’s leading gold producers and a key exporter of manganese, bauxite, and emerging critical minerals like lithium.
However, the sector has also faced criticism for environmental degradation, community displacement, and regulatory inconsistencies. There is growing pressure—both domestically and globally—for mining firms to adopt responsible practices, enhance transparency, and ensure local value addition.
The Chamber’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to “fostering a resilient, responsible, and globally competitive mining sector that contributes substantially to national development.”
It also emphasized the role of its new leadership in aligning Ghana’s mining sector with international best practices, including ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards and sustainable mineral resource governance.
As the principal industry association representing Ghana’s mineral exploration, production, and processing companies, the Ghana Chamber of Mines plays a vital role in shaping national mining policy.
It acts as a unified voice for the sector, engaging with the government on regulatory reforms, taxation, infrastructure, and community relations.
Industry insiders believe Dr. Ashigbey’s strong background in advocacy and digital transformation will enable him to strengthen the Chamber’s policy footprint, particularly in areas such as digital mining integration, local content development, and climate-smart operations.
This leadership reshuffle at the Ghana Chamber of Mines is more than a routine appointment—it represents a strategic pivot. At a time when the global mining landscape is being reshaped by climate concerns, digital disruption, and resource nationalism, Ghana’s ability to adapt will hinge on visionary leadership.
With Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey and Ahmed Nantogmah at the helm, the Chamber now has the opportunity to reposition itself as not just an industry advocate, but as a champion of sustainable, inclusive, and future-forward mining.
The task ahead is formidable. But with clarity of purpose and collaborative execution, this could mark the beginning of a new era for Ghana’s mining sector—one grounded in both economic performance and environmental responsibility.
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