Skyscrapers Not Mining’s Responsibility
Skyscrapers Not Mining’s Responsibility as spoken by Ahmed Nantogmah, the Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has addressed mounting public criticism that mining companies are neglecting the communities in which they operate. Nantogmah made a strong case that it’s unrealistic—and unfair—to expect mining companies to singlehandedly drive major infrastructure projects like skyscrapers or transform entire towns.
“It’s not the mining company’s job to build skyscrapers,” he stated, pointing out that while mining firms contribute significantly to community development, there are limitations to what they can and should do.
His remarks come amid growing frustration over the poor state of infrastructure, education, and healthcare in mining regions. However, Nantogmah argued that the core issue isn’t corporate neglect—it’s the mismanagement of mineral royalties once they’re handed over to the government and local authorities.
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Mining companies, he explained, do fulfill their financial obligations, including the payment of royalties, which are meant to support development in host communities. But these funds often vanish into bureaucratic inefficiency or are used for purposes unrelated to community development.
For instance, he questioned why a local assembly receiving royalties would still turn to a company like Gold Fields to build a simple one-kilometre road. “Gold Fields has already constructed over 33 kilometres of roads for the community,” he emphasized, “yet we still ask them to do more while ignoring where the royalty money went.”
Nantogmah called for the creation of a clear legal framework that regulates how mineral royalties are used—similar to the laws governing petroleum revenues. He proposed that such funds be earmarked specifically for health, education, and sanitation, preventing misuse on salaries or administrative costs.
He also highlighted the case of Obuasi, a key mining town that should see substantial benefits from royalties. “But where’s the evidence of that?” he asked. “If the money comes back, what’s it actually being used for?”
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Ultimately, he called for a more balanced view: “We need to ask hard questions—not just of mining companies, but also of those in charge of development. Let’s hold everyone accountable and ensure the resources benefit the people they’re meant for.”
Nantogmah concluded with a sobering insight: while mining has helped develop the broader Ghanaian economy, most of the mineral wealth ends up being spent in Accra, not in the mining towns themselves. “Ghana is developing because of mining,” he said, “but let’s not forget the communities that are closest to the source of that wealth.”
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