Minerals industry association Ghana Chamber of Mines aims to catalyse new investment partnerships, strengthen supplier and operator links, and elevate discussions regarding mineral value addition and local beneficiation through its hosting of this year’s West African Mining & Power Expo (WAMPEX).

The event – to be held from June 3 to 5 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, in Accra, Ghana – provides a platform to advance strategic collaborations across finance, exploration, technology transfer and skills development.

“The Chamber of Mines hosts WAMPEX with the ultimate objective of reinforcing Ghana’s attractiveness as a stable and competitive mining destination,” says Ghana Chamber of Mines COO Ahmed Nantogmah.

He adds that the event is regarded as the biggest and most prestigious mining and power industry gathering in West Africa, garnering attention from across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

The event will place emphasis on policy dialogue, sustainable mining, local-content development and regional collaboration across the mining and energy sectors in West Africa.

“The diversity and calibre of exhibitors reflect the evolution of West Africa’s mining ecosystem, from traditional extractive operations to technology, environmental solutions, exploration, manufacturing, finance and valuechain services, signalling a more integrated approach to growth,” says Nantogmah.

Ghana’s Gains

Mining remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy and a key foreign exchange anchor, with mineral mining-derived revenues having exceeded $21-billion in 2025, accounting for about 70% of total merchandise export earnings and, consequently, exceeding crude oil and cocoa.

Nantogmah adds that the sector’s fiscal contribution also strengthened in 2025, with record tax revenues reflecting improved prices, production volumes and compliance, reinforcing mining’s significant role in macroeconomic stability and national development.

Gold continues to dominate Ghana’s minerals extractive portfolio, with production increasing from about four-million ounces in 2023 to a record high of about 5.9-million ounces in 2025. This was driven by strong small-scale mining output and stable production from large-scale operations.

“In 2026, gold production is projected to range between 6-million and 6.5-million ounces, supported by a ramp-up in production at gold major Newmont’s Ghana-based Ahafo North mine,” says Nantogmah.

However, this outlook remains sensitive to gold price movements, input cost pressures, energy reliability, regulatory stability, fiscal changes and the effectiveness of measures to formalise and manage small-scale mining activity.

Key indicators, including minerals production, export revenues, employment levels and capital investment, indicate that the mining sector remains a critical anchor for macroeconomic stability, he adds.

In the near term, he advises stakeholders to monitor key trends in regulatory certainty, energy and input costs, local content and participation, exploration expenditure and the pace of mining-related infrastructure development, as these factors materially impact on competitiveness and investment sentiment.

Speaking to the People

WAMPEX has served as a strategic platform for advancing dialogue, investment decision-making and collaboration in support of sustainable, resource-led development.

Discussions at this year’s event will focus on the role of sound policy frameworks, responsible mining practices, reliable power solutions and solid regional cooperation in driving inclusive growth, industrialisation and long-term socioeconomic development across West Africa.

In his opening address of this year’s WAMPEX, Ghana Chamber of Mines CEO Dr Kenneth Ashigbey will underscore the importance of policy coherence, regulatory efficiency and collective responsibility in sustaining West Africa’s mining sector.

“Ashigbey will highlight priority issues, such as predictable licensing processes, environmental accountability, artisanal and smallscale mining formalisation, and constructive government-industry collaboration,” adds Nantogmah

He highlights that this call to action centres on partnership, transparency, fiscal certainty, and shared commitment to national and regional development goals while reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to a modern, responsible and investmentready mining sector.

“It reflects the country’s ambition to strengthen its role not only as a producer of minerals but also as a centre for mining services, innovation and policy leadership in West Africa,” concludes Nantogmah.