The Ghana Chamber of Mines has officially launched its annual Sustainability Month at the Lancaster City Hotel in Kumasi, reaffirming its commitment to responsible mining that balances economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

The event, attended by key industry stakeholders, was led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, who delivered a passionate address on the future of mining in Ghana.

“Mining has been the backbone of Ghana’s economy for over a century.
“But we are judged, not by ounces extracted, but by the quality of lives transformed.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber

Dr. Ashigbey noted that while mining continues to be the cornerstone of Ghana’s economic success, its impact should not be measured solely by production volumes or export figures.

He argued that sustainable practices, ecological preservation, and social investment must now define the sector’s legacy.

The sector’s economic contributions remain significant. Between 2014 and 2023, Ghana’s total mineral revenue surpassed USD 40.15 billion, with more than USD 29 billion reinvested into the financial system through the Bank of Ghana and commercial banks.

Additionally, mining companies directed over USD 220 million into corporate social responsibility projects nationwide.

In 2024 alone, the industry made GH₵17.7 billion in fiscal payments—an impressive 51.2% increase compared to 2023. Dividends paid to the state also surged by over 600% to GH₵1.03 billion, while mineral royalties rose sharply from GH₵2.8 billion to GH₵4.9 billion.

“These are not just economic figures.
“They represent the positive impact of responsible mineral wealth management, a catalyst for national development and a source of pride for the industry.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber

ESG at the Core of Mining

The Chamber has positioned Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at the heart of its agenda.

Investments in clean energy, waste management, and carbon footprint reduction reflect the industry’s environmental commitments.

On the social front, mining companies are prioritising inclusivity, human rights, workplace safety, and community development. Governance-wise, collaboration with regulators aims to guarantee transparency and equitable distribution of benefits.

“The world was not given to us by our parents; it was lent to us by our children,” Dr. Ashigbey reminded the audience, quoting an African proverb. “Our task is to safeguard transgenerational equity, ensuring that the benefits of mining today do not come at the expense of future generations.”

One of the pressing challenges highlighted during the launch was the impact of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

While ASM provides employment to thousands of Ghanaians, it is often linked to unsafe practices and environmental destruction.

Dr. Ashigbey stressed the need for government, industry, and civil society to integrate ASM into a regulated framework that aligns with national and global environmental goals. “Sustainability is not an optional add-on,” he insisted. “It is how mining must be done.”

A Month of Action

Under the theme “Mining Responsibly, Sustaining the Future”, the Chamber has designed a series of initiatives throughout October to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated into the sector’s day-to-day activities.

The programme includes media engagements, digital campaigns, community outreach, tree planting, school initiatives, and clean-up campaigns in mining regions.

The Chamber will also host a nationwide webinar to deepen conversations on ESG principles, encouraging participation from industry experts, civil society groups, and the youth.

Quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Dr. Ashigbey emphasised that “development, security, and human rights are interdependent.”

He argued that Sustainability Month embodies this philosophy by ensuring that mining advances human dignity alongside economic prosperity and ecological balance.

Shared Responsibility

Dr. Ashigbey stressed that sustainability cannot be championed by the mining sector alone.

“Governments, communities, civil society, and small-scale miners must all play a role. “Together, we can build a mining ecosystem that is not only profitable but also principled; not only productive but protective of the environment and society.”

He urged stakeholders to embrace a collective mission: “Let us mine responsibly, farm sustainably, and grow resiliently so that we can truly sustain the future.”

With Ghana’s mining industry contributing the largest share of foreign exchange earnings, the Chamber’s focus on sustainability comes at a critical juncture.

Environmental degradation and community displacement have raised concerns, but initiatives like Sustainability Month position the sector as a driver of balanced, inclusive growth.

If effectively implemented, the Chamber’s ESG agenda could become a model for extractive industries across Africa, demonstrating how resource wealth can be harnessed to advance both prosperity and sustainability.