A journalist with the Daily Graphic, Timothy Ngnenbe, has been adjudged the Best Mining Reporter at the 11th Ghana Mining and Industry Awards (GMIA), marking the fifth time in six years that he has won the top journalism honour in the extractive sector.
He received a plaque and cash prize for writing compelling stories based on public-interest investigations that exposed the human and environmental cost of illegal mining.
Ngnenbe’s entries included a feature on a young couple whose twins died after falling into abandoned galamsey pit, an extensive field reports from mining communities nationwide and a seven-month investigative series highlighting the regulatory lapses, environmental degradation and institutional weaknesses fuelling galamsey crisis.
Award scheme
The GMIA is the flagship recognition platform of the Ghana Chamber of Mines. The scheme honours companies and individuals who exemplify leadership, sustainability, innovation, safety, technological advancement and ethical practices.
Established to inspire higher industry standards, the scheme promotes transparency, professionalism and value creation across the mining value chain.
This year’s edition, held in Accra last Friday, was on the theme: “Celebrating excellence in mining: Creating value beyond minerals.”
AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd was named Mining Company of the Year, alongside other companies and individuals who were recognised for their innovative practices in various aspects of the sector.
Significance
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, in pre-recorded address, said the awards platform remained crucial in strengthening trust and policy stability in the mining sector.
He said the nation’s mining governance framework must be anchored on transparency, accountability and continuous dialogue among stakeholders.
The minister emphasised that the ongoing review of mining and mineral policies was aimed at ensuring fairness, investor confidence and long-term competitiveness.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to “opening the doors of communication” to promote responsible mining and safeguard the environment.
“The ultimate goal is to make sure that at the end of the day, all what we are doing will ensure that there's transparency, there's fair play, and there's trust in this industry, so that investors will be very sure about where Ghana stands.
“We believe that is the key to make Ghana the destination for mining investment, and will continue to keep the country at the forefront of the mining industry,” Mr Buah added.
Commitment
The President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Michael Edem Akafia, said the industry was committed to transforming communities, supporting national development and upholding ESG principles.
He described mining as the economy’s backbone that was contributing significantly to foreign exchange, job creation and community development.
Mr Akafia also commended the government for abolishing VAT on exploration, emphasising that policy consistency, competitive legislation and a Minerals Revenue Management Act were essential to deepening investor confidence and ensuring equitable development in host communities.
Appreciation
For his part, Mr Ngnenbe expressed appreciation for the recognition, saying it was reaffirmation of the power of journalism to protect lives, expose wrongdoing and push for reforms in mining governance.
He said the real impact of the award lay in saving children, preserving water bodies and prompting action from duty-bearers.
Mr Ngnenbe dedicated the award to communities affected by illegal mining and called for stronger collaboration among citizens, local authorities and national institutions to reclaim degraded lands and restore the environment.
“The award motivates me to contribute more to addressing the excruciating environmental crisis confronting the country because of illegal mining activities,” he said.
