Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, a renowned Management and Communications Consultant and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has urged the government to fundamentally reimagine its approach to the mining industry.
Highlighting the pressing need for a transformative shift, Dr. Aryee’s vision for the sector places integrity, long-term thinking, and meaningful community engagement at the forefront.
While addressing the Extractive Media Follows, Dr. Aryee emphasized that mining in Ghana must be viewed not merely as mineral extraction, but as a central pillar of national development.
“We require leaders with integrity, communities that are empowered to voice their concerns, companies that operate with conscience, and a media landscape that fosters development.”
Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee
“Investors do not come to your country purely out of philanthropic intentions; rather, it must be a mutually beneficial arrangement,” Dr. Aryee further remarked, highlighting the need to ensure that Ghana’s mineral wealth yields real progress for the nation and its people.
Leadership and Land-Use Pressures
Dr. Aryee articulated the distinctive leadership challenges encountered by mining operators in Ghana, where rapid population growth has resulted in towns and economic activities developing in close proximity to mining sites.
According to her, this increased proximity intensified competition for land, disrupted local livelihoods, and elevated the expectations of surrounding communities.
The former Chamber of Mines CEO emphasized that leaders must strive to balance the interests of shareholders with the needs of these communities, while also confronting ethical dilemmas that arise from the tension between economic development and environmental preservation. “Principles of transparency, accountability, and sustained engagement with stakeholders” are essential in this endeavor, she stressed.
Addressing the Illegal Mining Crisis
While describing illegal mining as a “clear and present danger,” Dr. Aryee urged both the government and society to address this crisis decisively.
She emphasized the severe destruction of water bodies, the ecological imbalance caused by mud being dumped into rivers, and the long-term risks of heavy metal contamination which are all caused by irresponsible mining .
Dr. Aryee dismissed claims that legal mining procedures are too difficult, pointing out that Ghana’s small-scale mining laws are accessible even to individuals as young as 18. She argued that the real challenges lie in weak enforcement, complicity from influential individuals, and public tolerance of wrongdoing.
Empowering Women and Rethinking Community Relations
Addressing the issue of women’s participation in the formal mining sector, Dr. Aryee expressed concern over the insufficient representation of women in leadership positions, despite their significant presence in the artisanal mining workforce.
She also commended the efforts of institutions like the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Minerals Development Fund, which aim to empower women from mining communities to pursue degrees related to mining.
Furthermore, Dr. Aryee advocated for a shift from traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) to models focused on shared value and co-creation.
She emphasized the need for mining companies to invest in long-term strategies that prioritize education, skills training, local economic development, and infrastructure that the communities actually need, rather than making assumptions about their needs.
Mining Sector for a Sustainable Future
In concluding her remarks, Dr. Aryee underscored the fundamental role of sustainability in the future of mining in Ghana.
She emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and transparent governance as guiding principles for the sector, and reminded her audience of the unique condition of Ghana’s landmass, asserting that its preservation is essential for the well-being of future generations.
Dr. Aryee’s vision for the mining sector in Ghana calls for a comprehensive overhaul that places the country’s long-term development and the well-being of its citizens at the heart of the industry’s operations.
Her emphasis on ethical leadership, community engagement, and environmental responsibility reflects a holistic approach that could pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable mining industry in Ghana.
While the country continues to battle with the complex challenges facing its mining sector, the insights and recommendations of experienced leaders like Dr. Joyce Aryee will be crucial in charting a path forward that truly benefits the nation and its people.
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