The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ken Ashigbey, has rejected proposals by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) to nationalise mining assets in Ghana.
According to Ing. Ashigbey, the country should instead focus on strengthening regulation, transparency and investor confidence within the mining sector.
Speaking at a media engagement on Thursday, May 14, he said the Chamber remains open to engaging the IEA on the matter but stressed that discussions about the future of Ghana’s mining industry must be guided by facts rather than emotions.
“We want to engage the IEA. It is good to discuss these issues dispassionately, but let the facts speak for themselves,” he stated.
Ing. Ashigbey noted that Ghana’s mining sector remains a major pillar of the economy and therefore requires policy certainty to attract long-term investments.
He warned that any attempt to nationalise mining assets without careful consideration could undermine investor confidence and disrupt existing mining operations across the country.
“The Constitution gives room for engagement and dialogue. What is important is that we protect the integrity and competitiveness of Ghana’s mining industry,” he added.
His comments come amid renewed public debate over whether Ghana should increase state ownership in the extractive sector following rising gold prices and concerns over revenue mobilisation.
However, the Chamber of Mines maintains that the priority should be improving compliance, enforcing regulations and ensuring the country derives maximum value from its mineral resources.
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