In recent days, I have encountered a worrying wave of misinformation—some of it carelessly repeated, others perhaps deliberately spread—regarding the nature of Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey’s recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines. As someone who has followed his career trajectory closely, and after sitting down with him for a candid interview, I feel compelled to set the record straight.

Let us be clear from the outset: Dr. Ashigbey’s appointment as CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, like his earlier role at the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, is not a government appointment. These are purely private-sector institutions, governed by their own boards and executive structures. Their leadership is selected through transparent, merit-based processes—not by the government, the President, or any political party.

What Ken Ashigbey had to say

In our interview, Dr. Ashigbey was unequivocal in his response:

“Some people who should know better continue to peddle the false narrative that my appointment at the Chamber of Mines is a government posting. This also happened when I was appointed CEO of the Telecoms Chamber. The truth is simple—both are private organisations with independent governance structures. My appointments came through rigorous processes conducted by their executive committees, with zero involvement from the government.”

The Ghana Chamber of Mines, he noted, is a private-sector industry association representing the collective interests of mining companies operating in Ghana. Likewise, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications serves the telecom and digital ecosystem. Both are driven by industry priorities, not government directives.

“The Chambers exist to serve their member companies and the wider national interest, but they are not government agencies. That distinction matters, especially when false assumptions begin to cloud public understanding,” he added.

A Career anchored in industry leadership

Dr. Ashigbey’s impressive professional journey includes his tenure as CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, where he led the industry through a dynamic period of transformation—from growing mobile money ecosystems to shaping critical ICT policies.

Before that, he served as Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd., a state-owned enterprise. Though his appointment by the independent constitutional body the National Media Commission in consultation with the President, his performance was consistently marked by independent-minded leadership and professional credibility.

His latest appointment at the Chamber of Mines—announced by the Chamber’s board on June 1, 2025—further underscores the confidence the private sector has in his ability to lead institutions at the intersection of national development and industrial growth.

“My mandate at the Chamber of Mines is to advance sustainable and responsible mining in Ghana,” he said. “I will continue to be an advocate for sustainable and responsible mining that the Chamber stands for as well  environmental protection, local content development, value creation for all stakeholders as well as mining as a catalyst for sustainable national development.”

Why this clarification matters

The suggestion that such appointments are government postings is not only false—it also risks undermining the integrity of our private sector institutions, many of which are working hard to complement national development in areas ranging from telecoms to natural resources.

It is critical for Ghanaians to understand that private industry associations are not extensions of the state. Their leadership is answerable to boards made up of member companies, not to ministries or political parties.

To quote a senior figure at the Telecoms Chamber:

“Dr. Ashigbey brought credibility, innovation, and clarity of purpose to our work. His leadership helped us navigate regulatory and technological challenges. His appointment was based on performance and vision, nothing else.”

Likewise, a source close to the Chamber of Mines emphasised:

“Ken Ashigbey’s appointment followed a structured recruitment process led by the Chamber’s Executive Committee. His track record in telecoms, media, and public advocacy made him the obvious choice.”

APSU pride

As proud alumni of St. Augustine’s College, both Dr. Ashigbey (APSU '88) and I (APSU '80) share not just a bond of brotherhood but a deep-rooted commitment to nation-building

through professionalism and excellence. His achievements inspire not only our APSU fraternity but the wider Ghanaian society.

On behalf of all APSUnians, I say: we are extremely proud of Dr. Ken Ashigbey and pray that the good Lord continues to guide and bless him to do even more for his beloved motherland. His journey is a shining example of what integrity, competence, and patriotism can achieve.

Peter Martey Agbeko, the writer, is a communications and public affairs professional, former public servant, and active commentator on media and governance issues in Ghana.