The former CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Rev Dr Joyce Aryee, has urged mining executives in Ghana to strike a balance between meeting shareholder expectations and addressing the needs of local communities, stressing the ethical challenges that come with the industry.

Speaking at a mentorship session during the Africa Media Extractives Fellowship training in Accra on Wednesday, Dr Aryee delivered a presentation on “The Human Face of Mining: Leadership, Ethics, and Community Relations in Ghana’s Extractive Sector.” She highlighted the close proximity of mining operations to communities in Ghana, noting that executives often worked “very close to communities” and must carefully navigate complex ethical issues.

“All chief executives must balance shareholder expectations with community demands,” she said.

“Economic growth versus environmental and social damage – how do you balance that? It must be done.”

Dr Aryee emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, noting that these principles had driven Ghana’s post-crisis economic recovery, particularly in large-scale mining, which frequently depended on foreign direct investment due to its capital-intensive nature.

Addressing the role of foresight in leadership, Dr Aryee encouraged executives to envision Ghana’s development 50 to 100 years into the future, adapting to technological and societal changes, including the rapid rise of social media and artificial intelligence (AI).

“To lead any institution or government, you must have a large vision and the courage to see beyond your own years,” she said. 

The session brought together emerging media and extractives professionals, aiming to cultivate responsible reporting and leadership practices in Ghana’s critical mining sector.