The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Ken Ashigbey, has rejected calls by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) for the nationalisation of mining assets in Ghana, arguing that the country should instead prioritise stronger regulation, transparency and investor confidence.
Speaking during a media engagement on Thursday, May 14, Ing. Ashigbey said the Chamber is willing to engage the IEA on the issue but emphasised that discussions about the future of Ghana’s mining sector should be based on facts rather than emotions.
“We want to engage the IEA. It is good to discuss these issues dispassionately, but let the facts speak for themselves,” he stated.
He explained that Ghana’s mining industry continues to play a critical role in the national economy and therefore requires stable and predictable policies to attract long-term investments.
According to him, any move to nationalise mines without thorough consideration could negatively affect investor confidence and disrupt ongoing mining activities.
“The Constitution gives room for engagement and dialogue. What is important is that we protect the integrity and competitiveness of Ghana’s mining industry,” he added.
The Chamber’s response follows renewed public discussions on whether Ghana should increase state ownership in the extractive sector, especially amid rising gold prices and concerns about revenue generation.
Ing. Ashigbey stressed that the country’s focus should instead be on improving compliance, enforcing mining regulations and ensuring Ghana gains maximum benefit from its mineral resources.
Source: myjoyonline.com
