The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, has called on journalists to build their capacity in mining reporting to ensure balanced, fact-based coverage that highlights both the challenges and contributions of the sector.
Speaking at a training workshop for journalists in Kumasi, jointly organised by the Chamber of Mines and the Ghana Journalists Association, Dr Ashigbey said responsible reporting could help Ghanaians better appreciate the mining industry’s role in national development.
“Mining, when managed responsibly, is an unparalleled catalyst for national development,” he said.
“It is not just about extraction and revenue, but about jobs, schools, hospitals, roads, and long-term prosperity.”
Dr Ashigbey outlined three key areas where the media can support sustainable mining: building technical knowledge of the industry, telling the full story of mining’s contributions to local communities, and advocating for a progressive legal framework that ensures Ghana remains competitive while retaining fair benefits.
He noted that 99.4 per cent of workers in the mining industry are Ghanaians and urged journalists to shed light on success stories, such as local businesses thriving through mining supply contracts and women breaking barriers in technical roles.
The Chamber CEO also stressed the importance of legal reforms, calling for a forward-looking revision of the Minerals and Mining Act to balance investor confidence with Ghana’s long-term national interest.
“The partnership between the media and the mining industry is not about uncritical praise. It is about fact-based, balanced, and constructive engagement,” he said.
“Challenge us to do better, expose malfeasance where it exists, but also give credit where it is due.”
Dr Ashigbey said the Chamber remained committed to working with the media to make mining a true engine of sustainable development while safeguarding the environment for future generations.