Michael Edem Akafia, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines
Michael Edem Akafia, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has called for stronger partnerships and deeper local content development within the mining and energy sectors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) in Accra on Wednesday, May 28, Akafia underscored the urgent need for innovation and collaboration to unlock the full value of West Africa’s mineral wealth.
Chairing the 18th edition of the prestigious forum, Akafia reflected on Ghana’s evolution as a relatively mature mining jurisdiction and expressed optimism about the industry’s readiness to embrace new tools and transformative practices.
“This is a proud moment for all of us,” he said. “We are on the brink of introducing innovative tools in mining, and we must seize this opportunity with boldness and foresight.”
Using a historical analogy, Akafia referenced the California Gold Rush to emphasize how the greatest value in mining often lies beyond mineral extraction. “Those who sold shovels to the miners made more money than the miners themselves,” he noted. “This is why our Chamber introduced the National Suppliers Program to strengthen local content long before it was enshrined in legislation.”
He further cited the origin of Levi’s jeans as a classic example of value creation sparked by mining needs — pointing out how the demand for rugged apparel by gold miners led to the emergence of one of the world’s most iconic clothing brands. “That is the kind of cross-sectoral innovation we must aim for,” Akafia said, “turning mining activity into broader industrial opportunity.”
Akafia urged policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society, and development partners to work more collaboratively. “Our ESG commitments demand it. Real progress lies in inclusive partnerships that align capital, policy, and people,” he said. “Some of Ghana’s best policy wins — like the Bank of Ghana’s right of first refusal on forex from mining companies — are born from this spirit of collaboration.”
The Chamber of Mines, he stressed, remains committed to ensuring that mining supports national development through forward-looking policies, stronger linkages, and a deliberate focus on retaining value in-country.
WAMPEX 2025 is being held under the theme “Mining and Power Hub: Driving Sustainable Investment Opportunity in West Africa.”
The event has drawn key stakeholders from across the region, including government officials, private sector leaders, researchers, and development partners.
