As part of its continued commitment to supporting member companies and promoting operational efficiency across Ghana’s mining sector, the leadership of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, comprising Chief Executive Officer Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, embarked on a strategic engagement tour of member operations in the Western Region.
The tour included high-level meetings with Ghana Manganese Company (GMC), AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, and Gold Fields Ghana’s Tarkwa and Damang Mines. The purpose of the engagement was to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by these companies and explore collaborative approaches to resolving them, particularly in their interactions with regulators and policymakers.
Excavator Delays and Value Addition at Ghana Manganese Company
At Ghana Manganese Company, the General Manager, Mr. Joseph Ampong highlighted persistent delays in the release of excavators at the port, a situation that continues to hamper operational timelines and efficiency. He clarified that the excavators imported for legitimate mining activities are different in scale and specification from those used in illegal mining operations, and therefore, should not be subjected to blanket restrictions.
GMC further raised concern about establishing a local refinery to add value to manganese ore produced in Ghana. This move, the company noted, would contribute to national value addition objectives and increase the mineral’s economic footprint in the country.
Illegal Mining and Contractual Concerns at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem
At AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem, the Acting Managing Director, Mr. Abraham Osei Badu, raised concerns about the increasing encroachment of illegal miners on the company’s concessions. He appealed for stronger state intervention to safeguard operational zones and protect the company’s assets and personnel.
Gold Fields Tarkwa and Damang: Security and Transition Updates
The Chamber delegation visited Gold Fields Ghana’s Tarkwa and Damang Mines, where they engaged with Senior Vice President, Mr. Elliot Twum and his management team.
Mr. Twum reported ongoing illegal mining activities within old underground shafts that had been decommissioned, posing not only a threat to the environment and safety but also undermining public trust in responsible mining. He emphasized the need for improved coordination between security agencies and mining companies to prevent unauthorized access to legacy sites.
With respect to the Damang Mine, Mr. Twum noted that operations were ongoing during the transitional period, indicating that the company remains committed to its production and community engagement obligations during the adjustment phase.
Chamber’s Commitment to Advocacy and Dialogue
Speaking during the engagements, Dr. Ashigbey reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to working closely with government institutions to address regulatory bottlenecks and create a more enabling environment for mining. He acknowledged the challenges raised and assured member companies that the Chamber would escalate the issues to the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission.
Mr. Nantogmah, the COO, emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue between stakeholders, adding that insights from these interactions will inform strategic policy recommendations from the Chamber.
The Chamber’s leadership is expected to continue similar engagements in other mining regions to foster collaborative problem-solving and sector-wide growth.