Chamber of Mines Urges Calm Reporting on Contract Mining Reforms

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called on journalists and media practitioners to avoid sensationalism in their coverage of ongoing discussions around contract mining and local content policy, stressing the need for balanced and accurate reporting.

Speaking on the matter, Chief Executive of the Chamber, Ken Ashigbey, cautioned that recent media narratives suggesting a possible crackdown by the Minerals Commission on mining companies are misleading and do not reflect the reality of ongoing engagements.

He clarified that there are no plans to shut down mines, but rather constructive discussions between the Commission, mining firms, and the Chamber aimed at improving local participation in the sector.

According to him, the policy direction to increase the involvement of local contractors in mining operations is welcomed by industry players, but must be implemented carefully to avoid disrupting production and revenue generation.

Dr Ashigbey warned that a rushed transition could negatively affect operational efficiency and have wider economic consequences, stressing the need for a smooth and well-managed process that safeguards Ghana’s mining output.

He noted that several local companies, including Rabotech, Rockshore, and EMP, are already demonstrating strong technical capacity in the sector, proving that local participation is feasible when properly supported.

However, he emphasised that contracting decisions should remain based on technical and operational requirements specific to each mining site, rather than blanket enforcement.

The Chamber maintains that collaboration between government and industry is key to achieving a balanced outcome that increases local involvement while sustaining Ghana’s position as a leading mining destination in Africa.

Stakeholders are expected to continue discussions to develop a framework that aligns national policy objectives with the practical realities of large-scale mining operations.