At a Judicial Training Workshop on the Land Act, 2020 and the Minerals & Mining Act, 2006 held in Takoradi, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, called for the establishment of specialized courts exclusively dedicated to illegal mining and mining-related offences.
His proposal comes amid growing concerns over the impact of illicit mining activities on environmental sustainability, investor confidence, and economic development.
“We urge the judiciary to consider the establishment of specialized courts dedicated exclusively to illegal mining and mining-related offences.
“A dedicated structure will enable swift, focused, and expert handling of such matters, free from the systemic delays that often undermine legal deterrence.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
Dr. Ashigbey underscored the pivotal role of Ghana’s judiciary in preserving the integrity of the country’s natural resources, stressing that the judiciary’s decisions affect not only investor confidence but also environmental sustainability and the economic wellbeing of millions of Ghanaians.
According to Dr. Ashigbey, “The judiciary stands as one of the most vital institutions in shaping the rule of law in Ghana’s natural resource sector.”
“As arbiters of justice, your law-making stands on the bedrock of stare decisis—precedent matters.
“However, the magnitude of the challenges we face today, especially the scourge of illegal mining, demands not only statutory knowledge but also institutional innovation.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
He further urged members of the judiciary to act as “vanguards of the nation,” protecting Ghana’s environment and future from what he termed “an existential threat.”
“We need the support of the judiciary to uphold the integrity of our laws and ensure swift justice in mining-related offences.
“The judicial leadership will be instrumental in transforming our fight against illegal mining into one of the greatest success stories in Ghana’s legal history.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
Ashigbey’s proposal for specialized mining courts adds to ongoing discussions on strengthening legal frameworks governing Ghana’s mining industry.
Mining as a Catalyst for National Development
Contrary to the perception of mining as a threat to sustainable development, Dr. Ashigbey argued that mining is in fact a key enabler of socio-economic growth.
“Mining is not an enemy of development; it is one of its principal engines and a significant catalyst for national development.
“The sector has, for decades, been a reliable contributor to government revenue, foreign exchange earnings, and direct and indirect employment.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
Dr. Ashigbey provided hard figures to support his position, revealing that from 2014 to 2023, Ghana’s mining sector generated over USD 40.15 billion in mineral revenue, with USD 29 billion repatriated through the Bank of Ghana and commercial banks.
In what he described as “a landmark year,” Dr. Ashigbey shared that Ghana’s mining sector contributed GHC17.7 billion in fiscal payments to the government in 2024, marking a 51.2% increase from GHC11.7 billion in 2023.
“Dividends paid to the state rose sharply by over 600% to GHC1.03 billion.
“Mineral royalties also surged from GHC2.8 billion to GHC4.9 billion, an increase of 76.7%, raising their share of total fiscal contributions from 23.7% to 27.7%.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
Beyond revenue generation, Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the mining sector’s commitment to social investment.
He cited the construction of schools, clinics, water systems, and road infrastructure in host communities as ongoing evidence of the sector’s role in transforming lives.
“Mining companies invest heavily in social infrastructure.
“These initiatives continue to improve the living standards of people in our host communities and reflect the sector’s broader commitment to national development.”
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
As Ghana continues to grapple with the challenges of illegal mining, Dr. Ashigbey’s call for judicial reforms underscores the critical need for institutional innovation.
By establishing dedicated mining courts, the judiciary would strengthen enforcement, promote responsible resource management, and protect Ghana’s environmental and economic interests.
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