Ghana's Mining Sector Must Prove Impact, Not Just Publicise Billions — Chamber Calls for Real Evidence

Ghana's mining sector is being challenged to move beyond citing impressive financial figures and demonstrate concrete, measurable improvements in the lives of people living in mining communities. Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, laid out this stark message at the 2026 PR, Environment and Sustainability Seminar in Kumasi, warning that today's sceptical public will no longer accept corporate claims without solid evidence.

Despite the sector's substantial 2025 contributions—over GH¢24.2 billion in fiscal revenue, roughly US$7 billion in domestic spending including US$4.2 billion paid to local suppliers, and US$88.6 million directly invested in communities—Nantogmah emphasised that these numbers mean little if they fail to translate into visible improvements. "If we go into the mining communities, are we going to see that impact?" he asked, framing the core challenge facing industry communicators.

From Publicity to Proof: A Credibility Crisis

Nantogmah called on industry communicators to shift their approach fundamentally. "Our task is not simply to tell people what mining creates; our task is to show it," he said, urging a move "from publicity to proof." This reflects a broader recognition that misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly, making it essential for the sector to provide verifiable, tangible evidence of its contributions rather than relying on statements alone.

Donald Gwira, Vice President of the Institute of Public Relations Ghana, reinforced this message by distinguishing between reputation and trust. "Reputation is communicated, but trust is earned," Gwira explained, noting that trust emerges only when an organisation's statements, conduct and stakeholder experiences align consistently. He called for public relations professionals to play a strategic role in organisational decision-making from the outset, rather than being engaged only after controversies arise.

Why This Matters for Ghana's Mining Future

The chamber's push for demonstrable impact touches on fundamental questions about whether Ghana's mining wealth genuinely benefits ordinary Ghanaians. Mining communities—particularly in regions like Ashanti, Western and Northern Ghana—have long expressed concerns that despite the sector's economic value, local infrastructure, employment and living standards have not improved proportionally.

Nantogmah's emphasis on moving from local procurement to domestic manufacturing highlights another critical issue: retaining more value within Ghana's borders. Currently, goods purchased locally often contain imported components, meaning significant wealth leaks out of the country. This structural problem undermines the sector's potential to drive broader economic development and job creation.

The sector's credibility—and public support for mining expansion—increasingly depends on answering fundamental questions: Are mining towns seeing improved schools, hospitals and roads? Are sustainable jobs being created for young Ghanaians? Are local businesses genuinely thriving, or merely serving as intermediaries for foreign suppliers? Without clear answers backed by evidence, the mining sector risks losing the social licence to operate that underpins its future.

Predictable policies, increased investment and longer mine operating lives remain vital for the sector's growth, Nantogmah argued. However, realising these benefits requires the industry to earn genuine community trust through demonstrated, measurable results rather than glossy communications campaigns.