Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, former CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has called for a fundamental overhaul of Ghana’s mining sector, urging leaders to embrace integrity, long-term thinking, and meaningful engagement with mining communities.
Speaking to Extractive Media Fellows at a training workshop in Accra organised by Africa Extractive Media Fellowship, Dr. Aryee emphasized that mining must be seen not only as mineral extraction but as a central pillar of national development.
According to the management and communications consultant, Ghana’s mineral wealth will yield real progress only when ethical leadership and environmental responsibility become non-negotiable priorities. She stressed that Ghana’s rapidly growing population, now more than five times what it was in the mid-20th century, has created intense competition for land among mining, agriculture, housing, and infrastructure. Leaders, she said, must think “50 to 100 years ahead,” not only a decade at a time.
Leadership and Land-Use Pressures
Dr. Aryee articulated the distinct leadership challenges encountered by mining operators in Ghana. Unlike many countries where mining operations are located far from populated areas, Ghana’s rapid population growth has resulted in towns and economic activities developing in close proximity to mining sites. This increased proximity has intensified competition for land, disrupted local livelihoods, and elevated the expectations of surrounding communities.
She emphasized that leaders must strive to balance the interests of shareholders with the needs of these communities, while also confronting ethical dilemmas that arise from the tension between economic development and environmental preservation. Essential to this endeavor are principles of transparency, accountability, and sustained engagement with stakeholders. Given that Ghana’s mining sector is predominantly influenced by foreign direct investment, these investments must yield benefits for both investors and the nation. Dr. Aryee remarked, “Investors do not come to your country purely out of philanthropic intentions; rather, it must be a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
Illegal Mining: A National Crisis
Dr. Aryee described illegal mining, known as galamsey, as a “clear and present danger.” She urged both the government and society to address this crisis decisively. Galamsey is not just illegal; it is also a criminal activity. She emphasized the severe destruction of water bodies, the ecological imbalance caused by mud being dumped into rivers, and the long-term risks of heavy metal contamination.
Dr. Aryee dismissed claims that legal mining procedures are too difficult, pointing out that Ghana’s small-scale mining laws are accessible even to individuals as young as 18. She argued that the real challenges lie in weak enforcement, complicity from influential individuals, and public tolerance of wrongdoing.
Women in Mining: Missed Opportunities
Dr. Aryee expressed her concerns regarding the insufficient participation of women in the formal mining sector. While women constitute nearly half of the artisanal mining workforce, they continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions. Nonetheless, recent advancements in technology, such as mechanized operations and digital tools, have mitigated physical barriers and created new opportunities for women in the industry.
She commended the efforts of institutions like the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Minerals Development Fund, which aim to empower women from mining communities to pursue degrees related to mining. Dr. Aryee advocated for the implementation of intentional policies, including quotas, gender impact assessments, and enhanced collaboration among organizations focused on women’s roles in mining governance.
Rethinking Community Relations
Dr. Aryee advocated for a shift from traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) to models focused on shared value and co-creation. She noted that mining communities often face issues such as land loss, limited job opportunities, and socio-economic frustrations. To address these challenges, she believes that mining companies should invest in long-term strategies that prioritize education, skills training, local economic development, and infrastructure that the communities actually need.
She emphasized that assumptions about community needs can often lead to negative outcomes. For instance, she mentioned cases where companies built modern toilets and market centers that residents ultimately rejected because they did not fit with their everyday realities. According to Dr. Aryee, genuine engagement with the communities must occur before any interventions are made.
The Media’s Role
Dr. Aryee addressed the media, highlighting the need to avoid sensationalism and the dissemination of harmful perceptions. She underscored the role of the press as a catalyst for development, advocating for the promotion of dialogue, the recognition of both successes and failures, and the accountability of all stakeholders involved. Dr. Aryee encouraged journalists to engage deeply with mining policies, monitor legislative changes, and analyze industry data to produce well-informed reporting.
She cited investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor as a commendable example of courage in the field, while cautioning that one journalist’s efforts alone cannot drive meaning national reform.
A Call to Protect the Future
In concluding her remarks, Dr. Aryee articulated that sustainability is fundamental to the future of mining in Ghana. She emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and transparent governance as guiding principles for the sector. Dr. Aryee reminded her audience of the unique condition of Ghana’s landmass, asserting that its preservation is essential for the well-being of future generations.
“We require leaders with integrity, communities that are empowered to voice their concerns, companies that operate with conscience, and a media landscape that fosters development,” she stated.
She firmly asserted that mining must equitably benefit Ghanaians in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. In her final appeal, Dr. Aryee urged all stakeholders government representatives, mining companies, journalists, and citizens to embrace a perspective of “generation thinkers,” dedicated to safeguarding Ghana’s mineral resources and securing a prosperous national future.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ Noah Nash Hoenyefia
