The newly appointed leadership of the Ghana Chamber of Mines has dismissed speculation that recent changes at the helm were politically driven. Chief Executive Officer, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, reaffirmed the Chamber’s independence and its core mission to champion responsible mining as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Ashigbey’s appointment as CEO raised some public questions about the motivation and timing of the leadership transition. However, speaking to the media in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, he firmly rejected suggestions of political interference.
“This is a transition from the telecom industry to the mining sector. Both the Ghana Chamber of Mines and my previous institution are private member-based organizations,” he clarified. “The Chamber is not a state-owned body. I was not appointed by the Jubilee House, and neither was Ahmed [Dasana Nantogmah].”
He emphasized that while the Chamber collaborates with government agencies, regulators, and policymakers, its work is driven by a shared commitment to using mining as a catalyst for national development.
The Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, also addressed the media, highlighting the institution’s ongoing efforts in policy dialogue and stakeholder engagement—particularly in response to the opportunities and challenges within Ghana’s emerging lithium sector.
“When Atlantic Lithium first sought lease rectification, lithium prices were around $3,000. Now, the price has dropped to about $600, which significantly changes the investment dynamics—from $100 million to roughly $300 million. We’re committed to facilitating the process as efficiently as possible,” he explained.
The Chamber’s leadership reiterated its focus on building a transparent and investor-friendly mining sector that aligns with global standards, ensuring that Ghana maximizes value from its natural resources while maintaining environmental and social responsibility.
