Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, says the era when mining companies operated in isolation from host communities is over.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, May 22, Nantogmah stated emphatically that “Mining isn’t leaving communities behind anymore.”

He explained that mining companies now have deliberate policies to ensure that local communities benefit from their operations, especially in employment and contract opportunities.

“Mining companies do their best with local employment. What we call local-local employment. Local means people from within the community. So once you are from Ahafo, Kenyasi, Hwidem, and the surrounding areas, you’re considered local-local,” he said.

According to him, mining companies like Newmont have set a strong example.

“For Newmont and other companies, almost 40–45% of their employees are locals,” he revealed.

“Sometimes they even have to train the people. They take them through apprenticeships. Once they are qualified, they are employed. And for those they can’t employ, they give them certificates of competency to go out and find jobs.”

Mr Nantogmah noted that the industry is not only focused on jobs within the mines but also on giving contracts to locals.

“Haulage, catering, security—all kinds of services are contracted to people in the community. That is deliberate. That is policy. That is what is being done now.”

When asked by host George Wiafe whether there is a specific policy guiding the recruitment of local people, Mr Nantogmah responded, “Exactly. Every mining company employs citizens. There’s no way you can work in a community without employing people.”

He dismissed the notion that mining firms should employ 100% of the immediate community.

“That’s not practical. If you say 100% should come from local communities, then people in Accra will say the same—that only Ga people should be employed in Accra. That doesn’t set a good precedent,” he argued.

However, he stressed that mining companies do as much as they can.

“You employ the majority of the community. You give them contracts. You bring the mine to them. That’s what is being done. Gone are the days when communities were left out.”

He also pointed out that things have changed from the early years of mining in Ghana.

“Back then, people were not mining-oriented. We didn’t have the human resources. But now we do. We have a lot of people who can work in the mines. And the majority of them come from the local communities.”

Mr Nantogmah’s comments come at a time when questions are being raised about the true benefits mining brings to host communities.

But for the Chamber of Mines boss, the data and the policy direction show a clear shift.

“Mining is no longer about taking and leaving. It’s about building and sharing. And that’s exactly what’s happening.”