Ghana's mining industry invested heavily in the domestic economy in 2025, generating over GH¢24.2 billion in fiscal revenue and spending approximately $7 billion locally. This includes $4.2 billion paid to local suppliers and $88.6 million invested directly in communities. However, the Chamber of Mines believes that simply publicizing these numbers is no longer enough to win public trust.
The Chamber of Mines' Chief Operating Officer, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, speaking at the 2026 PR, Environment and Sustainability Seminar in Kumasi, emphasized the need for the industry to shift from publicity to proof. He urged communicators to demonstrate tangible change on the ground, rather than just highlighting big numbers. Nantogmah argued that a skeptical public wants evidence of the industry's impact, particularly in mining communities.
The call for tangible impact comes amid persistent public distrust of mining's benefits, fueled by Ghana's ongoing galamsey crisis and concerns over environmental degradation linked to both illegal and licensed mining activity. Many Ghanaians living near mining operations report polluted rivers, degraded farmland, and damaged cocoa farms, which clash with industry claims of economic contribution.
Nantogmah tied lasting impact to policy predictability, increased exploration investment, and stronger domestic value retention. He suggested that high global gold prices should be used to attract more exploration funding, boost output, and extend the lifespan of existing mines. He also called for Ghana to progress from merely buying goods locally to manufacturing them domestically.
Donald Gwira, Vice President of the Institute of Public Relations Ghana, drew a distinction between reputation and trust, saying reputation can be communicated but trust must be earned through consistency between what an organisation says, how it behaves, and what stakeholders experience. He emphasized the importance of involving public relations professionals in organisational decisions early.
The Chamber of Mines' message rests on persuasion aimed at its own member companies and their communications teams, with no stated deadline or regulatory follow-up mentioned. The industry is urged to demonstrate tangible change in mining communities, including stronger local businesses, better livelihoods, infrastructure, and lasting jobs.
The sources do not provide a specific timeline for implementing the Chamber of Mines' recommendations. For now, the industry is expected to take a more proactive approach to demonstrating its impact, moving beyond publicity to proof of tangible change in Ghana's mining communities.
Key points
- The Chamber of Mines wants mining companies to demonstrate tangible change in communities.
- The industry's impact will be tied to policy predictability and domestic value retention.
- Public trust in the mining industry remains a significant challenge.
