Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, opened the 2026 PR, Environment and Sustainability Seminar in Kumasi with a stark reminder that mining must prove its impact, not merely publicise its contributions.
He highlighted the sector’s impressive 2025 figures – over GH¢24.2 billion in fiscal revenue, roughly US$7 billion spent domestically, and US$88.6 million invested directly in communities by Chamber members – but warned that numbers alone will not satisfy a more informed, sceptical public.
“People want evidence. Our task is not simply to tell people what mining creates; our task is to show it,” Nantogmah said, urging industry communicators to move “from publicity to proof.” He asked whether mining communities can actually see the impact of those investments, pointing to stronger local enterprises, improved livelihoods, sustainable employment and better infrastructure as the true markers of success.
He linked lasting impact to predictable policies, increased investment and stronger domestic value retention, arguing that high gold prices should enable Ghana to attract more exploration funding and extend mine lifespans rather than focusing solely on current revenue extraction.
Donald Gwira, Vice President of the Institute of Public Relations Ghana, echoed the call for evidence, distinguishing reputation from trust. He urged PR professionals to be involved early in decision‑making so they can shape responses and build credibility through consistent action.
The seminar’s message was clear: under growing scrutiny, the mining industry’s credibility will hinge on its ability to demonstrate concrete, measurable results that benefit communities, not just the size of its financial contribution.
