Accra: The Ghana Chamber of Mines has emphasized that corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by mining companies, while valuable, are not enough to foster sustainable development in the communities that host these mining activities. The Chamber has advocated for a strategy centered on value retention, local economic participation, and intentional policy direction, rather than relying primarily on corporate contributions and social projects.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Michael Edem Akafia, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, shared these insights during the 2026 West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX). This event convened policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to deliberate on leveraging responsible mining and energy development for sustainable growth across West Africa.
Mr. Akafia highlighted that despite significant investments by mining companies in community projects, including infrastructure, health, and education, these efforts alone cannot transform local economies. He stressed the importance of economic activities that retain value within the communities as a critical driver of development.
Drawing lessons from other mining regions, Mr. Akafia pointed out that cities like Johannesburg achieved sustainable development through strategies focused on value retention, such as industrialization, job creation, and local enterprise growth, rather than solely through CSR activities.
He emphasized that key development drivers should include procurement and employment within host communities, ensuring that local businesses and residents gain direct benefits from economic opportunities in the mining sector.
Dr. Ashigbey added that mining companies have been tracking procurement spending and employment within host communities to enhance local economic outcomes. He underscored the importance of integrating with local communities beyond CSR by offering jobs, contracts, and business opportunities.
Dr. Ashigbey advocated for robust policies to promote local content, urging a transition from import-based participation to establishing local industries linked to mining. True local content, he noted, involves producing goods and services within Ghana, particularly within mining communities, to create lasting jobs and businesses.
Initiatives such as promoting local manufacturing of mining inputs and establishing industries like activated carbon production in mining areas were highlighted as means to support mining operations and create alternative economic opportunities with export potential.
Dr. Ashigbey also called for alignment between government policy and mining revenues, ensuring resources generated from mining are invested strategically in affected areas. He reiterated the Chamber's proposal for a framework akin to the Petroleum Revenue Management model to guide mineral revenue allocation, focusing on infrastructure, education, and industrial development.
He warned that without coordinated efforts, mining communities would continue to face development challenges despite the wealth generated from their resources. A shift towards value addition, local enterprise development, and targeted investments is essential to transform mining communities into sustainable economic hubs.