Excerpt
The Ghana Chamber of Mines is the principal minerals industry association in Ghana, representing the collective interests of companies involved in mineral exploration, production, and processing. Established in 1928, the Chamber has been instrumental in shaping the mining landscape of the country.
Historical Overview
The origins of the Chamber trace back to 1903 with the formation of the West Africa Chamber of Mines, aimed at advancing and protecting mining interests in the region. Following Ghana’s independence in 1957, the organization was renamed the Ghana Chamber of Mines to reflect the nation’s new status. In 1964, it was reconstituted as a Company Limited by Guarantee under the Companies Code of 1963 (Act 179). The Chamber’s headquarters were relocated from Tarkwa to Accra in 1967.
Constitutional Mandates
As a voluntary private-sector employers’ association, the Chamber’s core objective is to promote and protect the interests and image of the mining industry. It serves as a representative body for its members, engaging with government and other stakeholders to influence policies and legislation that affect the mining sector.
Leadership and Structure
The Chamber’s leadership comprises a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As of June 2024, Mr. Michael Edem Akafia serves as the President, with Mr. Frederick Attakumah as the First Vice President, Ms. Angela List as the Second Vice President, and Dr. Sulemanu Koney as the CEO.
Departments and Units
The Chamber operates through various directorates, including:
External Relations and Communications Directorate:
- Manages stakeholder engagements and public relations.
Department of Analysis, Research, and Finance:
- support the Chamber’s advocacy and foster an enabling environment for mining-related businesses.
Appointment and Recruitment
The Chamber’s executives are elected by member companies during annual general meetings. For instance, in June 2022, new executives were elected to serve a two-year term.
Oversight and Ownership
The Ghana Chamber of Mines is a private sector association funded by its member companies. It operates independently, representing the interests of its members without direct government control.
Partners and Stakeholders
The Chamber collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, to promote sustainable mining practices and address industry challenges.
Operations and Roles
The Chamber’s activities encompass advocacy, policy formulation, research, and capacity building. It serves as a liaison between the mining industry and the government, ensuring that the sector’s contributions to national development are recognized and enhanced.
Historical Reforms
- Over the years, the Chamber has undergone significant transformations to align with the evolving mining landscape. Notably, in 1964, it transitioned to a Company Limited by Guarantee, and in 1967, it moved its headquarters to Accra to be closer to governmental institutions and stakeholders.
References
- https://gna.org.gh/2024/12/ghana-chamber-of-mines-congratulates-president-elect-mahama/
- https://gna.org.gh/2024/05/ghana-chamber-of-mines-appoints-michael-akafia-as-president/
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/about-us/chamber-executives/
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Facts-and-Figures-2021.pdf
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/about-us/chamber-council/
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/about-us/who-we-are/
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/about-us/chamber-presidents/
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/about-us/
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Annual-Report-2023-PRESIDENTIAL-ADDRESS.pdf
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Annual-Report-2023-EXTERNAL-RELATIONS-AND-COMMUNICATIONS-DIRECTORATE_compressed.pdf
- https://www.ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Frequently_Asked_Questions_-__August_2014.pdf
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Annual-Report-2023-ACTIVITY-REPORT-OF-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-ANALYSIS-RESEARCH-AND-FINANCE.pdf
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2023-Mining-Industry-Statistics-and-Data-Factoid-Final.pdf
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Presidential-Address-by-Michael-Edem-Akafia-Esq__.pdf
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Performance-of-the-Mining-Industry-in-2023.pdf
- https://ghanachamberofmines.org/our-members/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghana_Chamber_of_Mines
- https://nguvumining.com/news/the-ghana-chamber-of-mines-new-executives/
- https://projects.gbreports.com/macig-west-africa-2020/interview-ghana-chamber-of-mines