The Ghana National Chamber of Mines last Thursday inducted Mrs Joyce Wereko-Brobby into office as the Chief Executive. Auntie Joyce becomes the first woman to be appointed to that office since its formation. She replaces Mr. John Bentum Williams who did a very good job during his tenure.

She one time Secretary of Information during the era of the Provintional National Defence Council (PNDC).

The ceremony took place at the Shangri-La Hotel during which John Bentum Williams was presented with gifts.

Mr Kwamena Anaman, President of the chamber said the former Chief Executive laid a solid foundation and urged the new one to build on it.

Mr. Anaman said Mrs. Brobby assumes office at the time gold price was in the doldrums. He observed that anytime the price of gold tries to appreciate something happens and draws the industry backward. He urged Auntie Joyce to open effective communication with the government in order to push the industry forward.

Mr. Anaman lamented that even though Ghana was the leading producer of gold, other countries have overtaken her because of the poor incentives for the mining sector. He said despite the difficulties confronting the mining sector it remains the hen that lays the golden eggs. "The hen that lays the golden eggs should be protected, but often the mining sector has been left on the free range", he said.

Accepting the challenge, Mrs. Brobby said her appointment shows how proactive the industry is. She promised to run an open administration for the good of the industry.