The Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, has called for the country's mining sector to move beyond citing significant financial contributions and demonstrate how these translate into improved lives and enduring benefits for mining communities. Speaking at the 2026 PR, Environment and Sustainability Seminar in Kumasi, he emphasized that today's informed and skeptical public demands proof, not just assertions, particularly in an era of rapid misinformation and disinformation.
According to Nantogmah, the mining sector's substantial contributions to Ghana's economy in 2025 are noteworthy, with over GH¢24.2 billion in fiscal revenue, roughly US$7 billion spent domestically, and US$88.6 million invested directly in communities by Chamber member companies. However, he stressed that the critical issue is whether these financial figures have resulted in visible improvements in mining communities, such as stronger local enterprises, improved livelihoods, infrastructure, sustainable employment, and tangible opportunities.
Nantogmah tied the sector's lasting impact to predictable policies, increased investment, and stronger domestic value retention. He suggested that high gold prices should enable Ghana to attract more exploration funding, increase output, and prolong the operating lives of existing mines, rather than focusing primarily on securing more revenue from current operations. Furthermore, he advocated for Ghana to progress from local procurement to domestic manufacturing, noting that little value remains in the country when locally purchased goods still rely heavily on imported components.
Donald Gwira, Vice President of the Institute of Public Relations Ghana and guest speaker at the Seminar, supported the emphasis on evidence and credibility. He distinguished reputation from trust, explaining that while reputation is communicated, trust is earned when an organization's statements, conduct, and stakeholder experiences align consistently. Gwira called for public relations to extend beyond publicity and function as a core part of strategic management.
Gwira emphasized that communications professionals should participate early in organizational decisions to detect emerging issues, understand stakeholder expectations, and help shape responses. This proactive approach can prevent controversy and foster trust. The Seminar's message was clear: under growing public scrutiny, the mining industry's credibility will depend not only on the size of its contributions but also on its ability to demonstrate concrete, measurable results.
The Chamber of Mines COO's call to action reflects a broader expectation for transparency and accountability in the mining sector. As stakeholders increasingly demand evidence of positive impact, mining companies must adapt their strategies to prioritize tangible benefits for local communities. This shift towards demonstrating impact is seen as crucial for maintaining social license to operate and ensuring the long-term sustainability of mining activities in Ghana.
The seminar, attended by industry stakeholders and communications professionals, provided a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities in the mining sector. Key discussions centered on the need for effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic management to build trust and credibility. Ultimately, the sector's future will depend on its ability to balance economic contributions with social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Key points
- The mining sector must demonstrate tangible impact beyond financial contributions.
- The sector's credibility will depend on its ability to show concrete, measurable results.
- Predictable policies, increased investment, and stronger domestic value retention are crucial for lasting impact.
