The Ghana Chamber of Mines has strongly rejected assertions that its recent leadership appointments were politically motivated, reaffirming its status as an independent organisation committed to ethical and sustainable mining practices.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Tuesday, 10 June, the newly appointed CEO, Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, clarified that the transition was purely internal and devoid of political interference.
“There is a transition from telecoms to mining, but it is important to note that both entities are private member organisations,” Dr Ashigbey explained. “The Ghana Chamber of Mines is not a state institution. Ahmed [Dasana Nantogmah] has not been appointed with presidential powers from Jubilee House, and neither have I.”
He emphasised that the Chamber collaborates with government bodies solely to advance mining as a catalyst for national development, which aligns with its core mandate.
Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, the new Chief Operating Officer, also spoke during the briefing, focusing on Ghana’s emerging lithium sector. He cited a significant shift in Atlantic Lithium’s investment due to market volatility: from an expected US $100 million to approximately $300 million, following a drop in lithium prices from around $3,000 to $600 per tonne. He emphasised the need for robust stakeholder engagement and streamlined processes to safeguard investment.
The leadership reiterated the Chamber’s dedication to transparency, inclusive stakeholder dialogue, and policy reform to ensure Ghana fully benefits from its mineral resources while adhering to international best practices.
As a key institution shaping Ghana’s extractive sector, the Chamber reaffirmed its role at the forefront of sustainable economic transformation.