Ghana Chamber of Mines

Ghana Chamber of Mines

Formation	1903
Founded at	Tarkwa, Ghana
Purpose	A mining industry employers’ organisation that supports and promotes the Ghanaian mining industry, serving and promoting their interests by providing strategic support and advisory input.
Location	Gulf Street, South Legon, Accra
Region	Accra, Ghana
President	Michael Edem Akafia
1st Vice President	Frederick Attakumah
2nd Vice President	Angela Diala List
Key people	Sulemanu Koney (CEO)
Website	ghanachamberofmines.org

The Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM) is the main minerals industry association in Ghana. The Chamber is a voluntary private sector employers association representing companies and organizations engaged in the minerals and mining industry. It was founded in 1928 and has its members accounting for over 90 percent of all of the country's mineral production.

History

The history of the Ghana Chamber of Mines dates back to the early 20th century. The West Africa Chamber of Mines, which later evolved into the Ghana Chamber of Mines, was first established in 1903. Its aim was to protect and advance the mining interests of the shareholders, and its members, who were mainly directors of mining companies based in London, had the authority to influence legislative matters that affected the mining industry in the Gold Coast colony (now Ghana). The Chamber also petitioned government and administrative bodies on various matters affecting the industry.

On 6 June 1928, the Gold Coast Chamber of Mines was officially incorporated as a private company and had its operations in Tarkwa, in the Western Region. This institution was the precursor to the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

Following Ghana's independence on 6 March 1957, the name of the Chamber was changed to the Ghana Chamber of Mines to reflect the nation's new status. The Chamber underwent several transformations, including a special resolution on 6 May 1960, which altered its form and objectives. On 14 February 1964, the Chamber was converted into a Company Limited by Guarantee under the Companies Code of 1963 (Act 179)

In 1967, the registered offices of the Chamber were moved from Tarkwa to Accra, the capital city.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has since remained a voluntary private sector association, with its activities funded by its member companies. These companies are responsible for producing Ghana's minerals, which include gold, bauxite, manganese, and diamond.

Impact

Economic development

Aligned with its mission, the Ghana Chamber of Mines Tertiary Education Fund (GCM-TEF) was founded in October 2019, with the objective of cultivating the essential human resource foundation for the mining sector in Ghana. In its initial phase, the Fund is slated to receive a combined yearly allocation ranging from Four Hundred Thousand US Dollars ($400,000) to Four Hundred and Forty Thousand US Dollars ($440,000), contributed collectively by the Chamber's member companies engaged in production, contract mining, and explosive manufacturing.

Over the initial five-year span, the Fund has been designated to support the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa, to build up quality mining professionals to serve the local industry and extend their expertise beyond national borders.

The Ghana Chamber of Mines awards

The Ghana Chamber of Mines Awards recognize excellence and honor the contributions of mining companies and individuals to the nation's development.

Presidents

• 2024-date Michael Edem Akafia
• 2022-24 Joshua Mortoti
• 2018-22 Eric Asubonteng
• 2016-18 Kwame Addo-Kufuor Jnr
• 2014-16 Johan Ferreira
• 2010-14 Daniel Owiredu
• 2006-10 Jurgen Eijgendaal
• 2004-06 Mike M. Ezan
• 2001-04 James K. Anaman
• 1998-2000 Ben O. Adoo
• 1997-98 Peter Bradford
• 1995-96 Lucien Girard
• 1988-92 Sam Jonah