The 5th Ghana Mining and Energy Summit (GMES) is currently underway in Accra- Ghana.

The summit, which is being organised under the aegis of the Ghana Chamber of Mines (GCM), is themed “Harnessing Mining and Energy Potential for Sustainable National Development, ” and pooled mining companies operating in Ghana and mining support services.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday June 7, 2023, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor noted that Ghana needs to unlock the full potential of its mining and energy sectors to facilitate local industrialisation.

He cautioned that any effort to extract and utilise the country’s extractive resources should be done in “a manner that ensures energy efficiency, environmental protection, and responsible ecosystem management for climate action.”

The Minister noted that the convergence of these two sectors; mining, and energy, presents a unique opportunity to shape Ghana's destiny and build a sustainable and prosperous nation using clean energy and responsible mining practices.

“As we embark on this journey to harness our mining and energy potentials for sustainable development, we must prioritise sustainable practices and adopt an approach that balances economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship. It is through this approach that we can ensure the preservation of our natural resources for future generations while reaping the maximum benefits for our present population,” the Minister urged.

Hon. Jinapor gave the assurance that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources remained committed to working with the Ministry of Energy to accelerate our efforts in renewable energy development.

“By diversifying our energy mix and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we can mitigate the impact of climate change, create a resilient energy infrastructure, and provide affordable and reliable power to all our citizens, regardless of their location,” he added.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber of Mines, Dr Sulemanu Koney in his address expressed concerns about the security of mining operations and investments in the country.

“Security stands as a critical pillar in the success of any mining operation. The safety and well-being of our workforce and host communities, the protection of our assets and investment, as well as the preservation of the environment, are paramount,” Dr Koney stated.

The industry, he noted was not oblivious of the indispensable role that effective security measures played in fostering a conducive environment for broad-based socio-economic development and investment through responsible mining investment.

According to Dr. Koney, by empowering local communities and creating opportunities for employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship, “we can unlock the true potential of our natural resources for broad-based socio-economic development.”

The Ghana Chamber of Mines, he pledged was committed to driving initiatives that enhance local capacity, promote social inclusion, and nurture a sense of shared ownership of the value generated from the country’s natural resources

This year’s summit is expected to deliberate on Ghana’s critical minerals and the policy prescriptions, to enable the country optimise its benefits for the country and investors.