The Ghana Chamber of Mines has made an urgent appeal to the government to prioritize efficient and reliable electricity supply to the Upper East Region, citing critical power challenges that are hindering mining operations and threatening to discourage investment in the area.
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, issued the call during a courtesy visit to the Upper East Regional Minister, accompanied by representatives from Cardinal Mining Company Ltd, a mining firm in region.
At the heart of the appeal is a straightforward request: “The government must take immediate measures to ensure stable and sufficient power supply to support the region’s expanding mining industry”.
Ing. Ashigbey stressed that the Upper East Region has evolved into an attractive destination for major companies and businesses, particularly in the mining sector. However, this industrial growth is being severely constrained by inadequate electricity infrastructure. “The region is now open to big companies and businesses, including mining companies, and therefore requires a stable power supply to meet their demands,” Ashigbey explained.
The Chamber of Mines CEO cited Cardinal Namdini as a concrete example of the electricity challenges facing the region. The mining company requires 50MW of power but continues to experience inconsistent supply due to power sources located far from the region and imperfect regulatory systems affecting power distribution. These issues result in unreliable electricity that disrupts mining operations and undermines productivity.
His appeal extends beyond the immediate concerns of existing operators. He emphasized that the Upper East Region is now ready to accommodate various industries, but this potential cannot be realized without addressing the power supply deficit. “There is a huge demand for power from existing mining companies and those yet to come into the Northern sector of the country,” he stated, underlining the urgency of government intervention.
The appeal represents a clear message from the mining industry: without dependable electricity, the Upper East Region’s economic transformation and the growth of Ghana’s northern mining sector will remain unrealized.
