Ghana Must Decide Where It Wants to Go with Mining – Dr Joyce Aryee

Story by: Sarah Adwoa Akutteh

The former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Rev Dr Joyce Aryee, has called on Ghana to set a clear long-term vision for its mining sector to avoid drifting without national direction. Speaking at the African Media Extractive Fellowship Training in Accra on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, Dr Aryee emphasized the urgent need for the country to decide its future with mining.

“Ghana must decide where it wants to go with mining. What do we want to achieve? What is the end game? Mining cannot continue without a clear national vision,” she said.

Dr Aryee highlighted mining as not just an economic activity but a complex issue affecting social, environmental, and human development. “Mining is more than minerals; it affects communities, their land, water sources, livelihoods, culture and dignity,” she explained.

With mining contributing over 8% to Ghana’s GDP and generating an estimated GH₵6.8 billion in the second quarter of 2025, the sector provides significant jobs. However, Dr Aryee warned these gains do not justify ongoing harm perceived by local communities.

She urged Ghana to balance economic growth with social protection, land rights, and environmental safety, describing this as the dual mandate of mining: growing the economy while protecting those impacted by extraction.

Ethical leadership, she insisted, is essential for sustainable mining. “Leadership must be honest, transparent and accountable. Mining companies and policymakers must engage communities, listen to concerns and involve them in decision-making.”

Addressing illegal mining or galamsey, Dr Aryee said lack of a clear pathway to integrate artisanal miners into the formal sector fuels the problem. “It takes courage to say we cannot allow galamsey to continue, but without national clarity and firmness, destruction will persist.”

Dr Aryee called on journalists to promote accurate and fair reporting to shape national discourse. “Your work should inform public understanding, encourage responsible leadership and build peace.”

She concluded by urging Ghana to adopt a unified, long-term mining framework prioritizing ethics, sustainability, inclusivity, and community partnership. “Mining must serve all Ghanaians equitably. We need a vision that protects lives, land and livelihoods.”