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In a significant strategic move for Ghana’s vital mining sector, the Ghana Chamber of Mines has unveiled its new Chief Executive Officer, Ing. Dr. Ashigbey, signalling a fresh offensive in the relentless battle against illegal mining and a renewed commitment to sustainable practices.
Dr. Ashigbey, a familiar face from the telecommunications sector, addressed journalists in Accra today, June 10, 2025, emphasizing a seamless transition from one private member organization to another. He was quick to dispel any notions of political appointment, clarifying that his mandate stems from the Chamber itself, not “presidential powers from Jubilee House.” His focus, he stressed, remains squarely on “advancing the mining industry” through close collaboration with government and regulators.
At the core of Dr. Ashigbey’s agenda is a fervent dedication to “responsible, transgenerational mining.” He highlighted the Chamber’s long-standing commitment to environmentally conscious operations, particularly the critical imperative of restoring mined areas once work is completed. This, he noted, aligns intrinsically with the Chamber’s fundamental objectives.
The new CEO also touched upon a persistent thorn in the side of legitimate mining operations: the unchecked proliferation of “galamsey,” the local term for illegal mining. He pointed out that legal, compliant companies often bear the brunt of the environmental and social fallout from these illicit activities. In a call for broader accountability, Dr. Ashigbey urged civil society to step up its efforts in confronting this pervasive challenge.
“The members of the Chamber tend to be at the receiving end of some of the irresponsibility and illegal mining activities,” Dr. Ashigbey remarked. “So there’s an alignment between the Chamber’s values and the broader goal of ensuring Ghana mines sustainably. I’m not too sure much will change in that regard, except to hope that my colleagues in the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey will also step up to the plate and share the responsibility.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Ashigbey pledged to intensify stakeholder engagement and champion green mining initiatives. His vision includes leveraging the Chamber as a powerful vehicle to foster enhanced collaboration with all major stakeholders, steering Ghana’s mining landscape towards long-term sustainability.
Dr. Ashigbey takes the helm at a critical juncture for Ghana, a nation continually grappling with the socio-environmental devastation wrought by illegal mining. His diverse leadership background, spanning media, technology, infrastructure, and engineering, is expected to be a pivotal asset in reshaping the industry and charting a course towards a more responsible and sustainable future for Ghana’s mineral wealth.
