On Wednesday, the Ashanti Green Initiative (AGI) hosted a high-profile virtual briefing that provided an engaging preview for the Mining in Motion Summit, which is scheduled to unfold from June 2 to 4, 2025, in the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana. This significant event is not just a milestone on the calendar; it embodies a pivotal moment for the mining sector in Ghana, particularly in regards to the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
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Leading the webinar was Charles Kwarteng Antwi, a renowned expert in mining governance, whose insights illuminated the path forward for ASM in Ghana. He articulated a bold advocacy agenda, aiming to elevate Ghana’s standing as a leader in responsible gold production. His words resonated deeply with many, as he acknowledged, “Today’s conversation goes beyond gold – it is about people, progress, and possibilities. We are here to explore how innovation, responsibility, and collective will can transform the artisanal mining sector into a force for good.” Charles’s emphasis on the human aspect of mining is vital. After all, isn’t it the people behind the gold that truly matter?
As we reflect on Ghana’s robust gold production, which exceeds 130 metric tonnes annually, it’s noteworthy that a staggering 35% of this is attributed to the ASM sector. This sector serves as a lifeline for over 1.1 million individuals across more than 100 districts. Yet, there’s an undeniable irony: despite its significant contributions, the ASM sector is often trapped in informality. This status limits miners’ access not only to financial resources but also to essential safety standards and international markets.
Charles addressed this paradox poignantly, stating, “While ASM contributes over $2 billion in annual gold exports, the very actors producing this gold remain marginalized from its value.” His call for the formalization of this sector is not merely an administrative change; it is a clarion call for empowerment. What would it mean for these miners to be integrated into a system that respects their contributions? How can we reshape the narrative that currently confines them?
The impending Mining in Motion Summit is not merely another conference; it is a convergence of minds and hearts. Hosted by AGI in collaboration with significant partners such as the World Bank and the World Gold Council, the summit will bring together leaders from both the public and private sectors, alongside development organizations and traditional authorities. The pedigree of its attendees, which includes Ghana’s own former President H.E. John Dramani Mahama and delegations from across Africa, underscores the commitment to advance the mining sector in a way that prioritizes both ethical practices and environmental stewardship.
Charles passionately underscored the importance of Africa stepping into its rightful place within the global gold economy. “This is where Africa asserts its place – not as a passive exporter, but as a standard-setter, innovator, and unifier within the space,” he declared. But to do this, Ghana must align itself with global gold standards like the OECD Due Diligence Guidance. These frameworks provide a roadmap, yet implementing them is no small feat. It raises an essential question: what kind of investment is required to bring about this transformation?
“Setting up compliance infrastructure comes at a cost,” Charles explained. “Miners need training; cooperatives need formal recognition; certification requires labs, logistics, and digital systems.” Such systemic changes demand international investment, highlighting the interconnectedness of global economies and local futures. When we think of gold, do we merely see a shiny object, or do we envision sustainable futures that can emerge from responsible mining practices?
AGI envisions a future where Ghana can stand as a beacon of gold traceability by the year 2030. Imagine a world where Ghanaian gold is traceable from mine to market, produced under conditions that honor both human rights and the environment. “Our vision is one that is rooted locally yet recognized globally, used not just for export but for fostering economic empowerment within our communities,” Charles emphasized.
As the webinar drew to a close, it carried a resounding message of collective responsibility. “Ghana’s gold must power more than profits. It must power schools, health clinics, clean rivers, and forest restoration, leading to thriving and sustainable communities.” These words lingered in the minds of participants, igniting a hope that the future of Ghana’s gold will indeed pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous society.
In the end, the real question isn’t just about the gold itself, but about the stories, the communities, and the lives it impacts. How can we make these stories resonate on a global scale, ensuring that every ounce of gold tells a tale of empowerment and sustainability?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
