The Ghana Chamber of Mines partnered with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to launch a capacity-building workshop in Kumasi, aiming to enhance media coverage of Ghana’s mining sector amid ongoing debates over illegal mining and regulatory reforms.
The three-day workshop organized by the Ghana Chamber of Mines brought together journalists to strengthen collaboration between industry and media in shaping mining discourse. The initiative seeks to move beyond sensational reporting toward informed analysis of the sector’s complexities.
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, emphasized mining’s role in sustainable development beyond revenue generation, stressing trans-generational equity. He urged journalists to understand technical aspects of mining operations rather than focusing solely on extraction statistics.
GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour described the workshop as a “call to action” for journalists, positioning illegal mining as a severe national security threat. He highlighted devastating effects of galamsey, which causes environmental degradation, fuels social conflicts, and contributes to chronic health conditions in mining communities.
The timing coincides with ongoing reviews of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, where the Chamber argues that reducing mining leases from 30 to 15 years could scare away foreign investors. Ashigbey emphasized the need for modern, competitive, and predictable legal frameworks to attract investment while protecting national interests.
Both leaders agreed that illegal mining is too complex for any single institution to tackle alone, requiring clear regulations, strong political will, and public accountability. The collaboration reflects recognition that effective solutions need coordinated efforts between industry, media, and government.
The workshop addressed journalists’ role in understanding mining licenses, operations, environmental impacts, and community development initiatives funded by mining companies. Participants were encouraged to explore regulatory loopholes and community exploitation issues that contribute to illegal mining proliferation.
Dwumfour emphasized that successive governments’ inability to address galamsey has destroyed many water bodies, reducing pristine water sources to murky, dark brown bodies due to illegal mining activities. He called for relentless media coverage to pressure policymakers for decisive action.
The Chamber pledged to work with journalists as partners in ensuring mining becomes a true engine of sustainable development while safeguarding environmental protection for future generations. This represents a shift from traditional adversarial relationships between industry and media.
Ashigbey urged media practitioners to advocate for progressive legal frameworks that balance investment attraction with national interest protection. He called for treating mining law reviews as national priorities, arguing that clear, stable rules are essential for environmental protection while maintaining Ghana’s position as a responsible mining investment destination.
The workshop emphasized accurate, informed reporting to dispel myths and foster public debate based on facts rather than speculation. Participants learned about environmental monitoring, community relations, and corporate social responsibility programs implemented by legitimate mining companies.
The strengthened collaboration between the Ghana Chamber of Mines and GJA specifically targets mitigating adverse impacts of illegal mining on the country’s environment. The partnership reflects growing recognition that media literacy about mining complexities is essential for effective sector governance.
The initiative comes as Ghana grapples with balancing mining’s economic benefits against environmental costs. Recent crackdowns on illegal mining equipment along the Ankobra River demonstrate government efforts to address the crisis, while industry leaders seek sustainable solutions.
Participants were trained on understanding mining company financial reports, environmental impact assessments, and community benefit agreements. The workshop aimed to equip journalists with technical knowledge necessary for analyzing mining sector developments beyond surface-level reporting.
The GJA reaffirmed its commitment to building journalist skills and welfare to effectively fulfill Fourth Estate responsibilities. This includes monitoring regulatory compliance, exposing illegal activities, and holding both government and industry accountable for environmental stewardship.
The collaboration marks a strategic approach toward reshaping mining discourse in Ghana, championing responsible mining practices, accurate journalism, and strong regulation working together to ensure mineral wealth benefits all Ghanaians across generations.
Industry observers note that successful mining sector governance requires informed public discourse, making media capacity building essential for democratic oversight of one of Ghana’s most economically significant but environmentally sensitive industries.
