Michael Edem Akafia, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines
President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Michael Edem Akafia, has reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to deepening local participation in Ghana’s mining sector, stressing that the industry is increasingly prioritizing recruitment from host communities and maximizing value addition within the country.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with ghextractives.com in Accra, Mr. Akafia revealed that several mining companies operating in Ghana now employ 70–75 percent of their workforce directly from host communities.
He explained that this drive towards community-based recruitment is not just about corporate social responsibility, but also aligns with Ghana’s national aspiration to derive greater benefits from its natural resources.
“For us in the industry, promoting local employment and participation ties in perfectly with government’s vision to add value to mining and ensure that host communities benefit meaningfully,” he said.
The Chamber President noted that beyond employment, mining companies are also investing in innovation, sustainability, and community development initiatives that support education, health, and skills training in mining areas.
Mr. Akafia emphasized that such efforts demonstrate the sector’s role as a partner in national development, adding that the Chamber will continue to champion policies that balance commercial success with long-term socio-economic impact.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines, established 97 years ago, is Ghana’s oldest business association and continues to be a leading advocate for responsible and inclusive mining.
