The Ghana Chamber of Mines has elected Ing. Frederick Attakumah, Executive Vice President and Country Director of Asante Gold Corporation, as its new President.
Members decided on the Chamber’s 98th Annual General Meeting (AGM). He takes over from Michael Edem Akafia, Vice President for External Affairs at Gold Fields, whose two-year term has come to an end.
The AGM also brought changes to the Chamber’s leadership team. Angela D. Attieh, Chief Executive of Nguvu Holdings and former Second Vice President of the Chamber, moved up to become First Vice President.
Members also elected Danquah Addo-Yobo, Country Manager of Newmont Ghana, as Second Vice President.
In his first address as President, Ing. Attakumah thanked members for the trust they had placed in him. He promised to serve with humility, encourage collaboration, and work to advance Ghana’s mining industry.
“I stand before you today with a deep sense of humility and gratitude as I accept the responsibility to serve as President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines,” he said.
He added that he would approach the position with “an open mind, a listening ear, and a commitment to work with all stakeholders in shaping the next chapter of our industry”.
Ing. Attakumah outlined three main priorities for his term in office.
His first priority is to expand Ghana’s mining sector. Ghana currently produces about fi
ve million ounces of gold each year.
However, Ing. Attakumah believes the country can increase output to seven million ounces in the coming years. He said this goal will require a stable and competitive policy framework, better regulatory coordination, and continued commitment to responsible mining.
His second priority focuses on increasing local value creation and supporting industrial growth. He noted that mining companies spend more than 70 percent of their revenue on goods and services.
According to him, Ghana can use this spending to strengthen local manufacturing, create more opportunities for businesses, and establish itself as a leading centre for mining services and expertise in West Africa.
The third priority centres on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership as well as community development. Ing. Attakumah stressed that the industry must go beyond meeting regulatory requirements.
He encouraged stronger partnerships with local authorities and traditional leaders to build sustainable communities and resilient local economies that can thrive long after mining activities end.
He also reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to working closely with government and other stakeholders. He said such cooperation is essential for supporting national development while keeping Ghana attractive to mining investors.
“The future of mining in Ghana does not rest with any single institution. It rests with all of us,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration across the industry to ensure mining remains a major driver of Ghana’s development and prosperity for future generations.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines remains the leading association for the country’s mining industry. The Chamber represents companies involved in mineral exploration, production, and processing, while promoting the collective interests of the sector.
