The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ken Ashigbey, has called on government to guarantee security of tenure for mining companies, warning that uncertainty in the sector could undermine investments needed to drive economic growth and community development.
Speaking at the launch of Heath GoldFields’ Five-Year Community Development Plan in Bogoso, Mr. Ashigbey said mining companies would only be able to commit substantial investments towards expansion, cleaner technologies and social interventions if they were assured that their mining rights and agreements would be respected.
“If we want companies like Heath Gold Fields to continue delivering development, government must guarantee them security of tenure.
“Investors, both local and foreign, will only commit their billions of cedis needed to expand, adopt cleaner technologies and support community projects if they are certain that agreements will be respected,” he stated.
According to him, certainty in the mining industry attracts investment and creates opportunities for roads, healthcare facilities, jobs and tax revenues, while uncertainty drives capital away.
Mr. Ashigbey made the remarks while commending Heath GoldFields for demonstrating that responsible mining extends beyond gold extraction to community transformation and sustainable development.
“Heath GoldFields has shown once again that responsible large-scale mining is not just about extracting minerals; it is about building people, protecting heritage and planting seeds for future prosperity,” he said.
The Chamber of Mines CEO stressed that the success of mining operations depends largely on the trust and cooperation of host communities, describing such support as the industry’s social licence to operate.
He explained that mining communities must be active partners in development and not mere spectators, adding that social licence becomes meaningful when mining revenues are translated into better schools, access to clean water, improved roads and employment opportunities for local residents.
Mr. Ashigbey also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between mining companies and government agencies in delivering critical infrastructure projects such as the Bogoso-Prestea road, which he said would further strengthen community confidence in the mining sector.
On revenue distribution, he renewed calls for the passage of a Mining Revenue Management Act that would direct at least 30 per cent of royalties and other mineral revenues into mining host communities for strategic development projects.
He argued that such resources should be invested in productive ventures that create long-term economic value rather than being absorbed by bureaucracy.
Among the initiatives he proposed were grinding media manufacturing plants in Bogoso, activated carbon factories in Prestea, gold refining facilities, assay laboratories and other mining support services that could create jobs and expand local participation in the mining value chain.
“We must ensure that when the last ounce of gold is lifted from the earth, we do not leave behind ghost towns. We must leave functional factories, thriving farms, good roads, renewable energy facilities and skilled human resources,” he said.
Mr. Ashigbey further supported calls for government to extend development agreements and stability agreements to indigenous mining companies, saying fair and equitable policies would unlock the full potential of Ghanaian-owned mining firms and deepen local value retention.
Describing Heath GoldFields as a strategic national asset, he urged stakeholders to support the company in harnessing Ghana’s mineral wealth for the benefit of current and future generations.
The launch of the company’s Five-Year Community Development Plan forms part of Heath GoldFields’ broader commitment to investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment programmes in its host communities.
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