Women in Mining Ghana Declares New Executives: Boosting Women Empowerment in Ghana’s Mining Industry

In the dynamic world of Ghana’s mining sector, a pivotal leadership shift is underway. Women in Mining Ghana (WIM Ghana), a key advocacy group for female professionals, has unveiled its new executive team. This transition, announced during a virtual meeting on November 13, 2025, marks a new chapter in promoting gender diversity and professional growth for women in mining. With Ghana’s mining industry contributing significantly to the national economy—accounting for about 10% of women in large-scale operations per the Ghana Chamber of Mines 2023 study—this change underscores ongoing efforts to address underrepresentation and drive sustainable development.

Introduction

Women in Mining Ghana, established around 2012 and formally incorporated in 2015, champions women’s roles across the mining value chain, from exploration to processing. The organization’s new executives promise heightened focus on training, mentorship, and market opportunities for women. Led by incoming President Rosemary Oppong Kwasie, this leadership refresh builds on a decade of progress under outgoing President Dr. Georgette Barnes Sakyi-Addo. For those searching for Women in Mining Ghana new executives or insights into women empowerment in Ghana mining, this update highlights strategic advancements amid industry challenges like artisanal mining and environmental sustainability.

Context of Ghana’s Mining Sector

Ghana is Africa’s second-largest gold producer, with mining forming a cornerstone of its GDP. Yet, women hold only about 10% of large-scale mining jobs, per verified 2023 data from the Ghana Chamber of Mines. WIM Ghana’s initiatives aim to elevate this through advocacy and skill-building, making this executive transition timely for stakeholders in the Ghana mining sector.

Analysis

The leadership change at Women in Mining Ghana reflects a strategic evolution tailored to current industry demands. Rosemary Oppong Kwasie’s appointment as president brings geotechnical expertise from major projects like the Tarkwa TSF expansions and IAMGOLD’s Essakane TSF. Her background in delivering safe, sustainable mining solutions across West Africa positions WIM Ghana to tackle technical and advocacy challenges head-on.

Expertise of New Leadership

The team’s composition blends engineering, geosciences, and education. First Vice President Rosemary Okla, a GIS specialist at the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, advances diversification for artisanal women miners via jewelry projects using gemstones. Second Vice President Dr. Yvonne Loh, a University of Ghana hydrogeologist, researches mining’s groundwater impacts, advocating for stronger regulation. General Secretary Barbara Owusu Konadu, a mining engineer at Ramjack Technology Solutions, brings project delivery experience from Ghana, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.

Strategic Implications

This lineup enhances WIM Ghana’s capacity for mentorship and pathways creation, as Oppong Kwasie emphasized: ensuring women not only enter but thrive in mining. Amid debates on local content and diversity, the new executives inherit a platform with proven visibility gains since 2015.

Summary

Women in Mining Ghana’s new executive team, unveiled on November 13, 2025, succeeds Dr. Georgette Barnes Sakyi-Addo with Rosemary Oppong Kwasie as president. Key members include specialized professionals focused on training, advocacy, and sustainability. This shift aims to amplify women’s roles in Ghana’s vital mining industry, addressing a 10% workforce representation gap while navigating environmental and artisanal mining issues.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For women aspiring to careers in the Ghana mining sector, WIM Ghana’s new leadership offers actionable pathways. Start by engaging their programs:

Steps to Get Involved

• Join Mentorship: Participate in WIM Ghana’s sessions for skill-building in geotechnical engineering, GIS, and hydrogeology—fields highlighted by new executives.
• Upskill in Key Areas: Pursue certifications in sustainable mining practices, mirroring Oppong Kwasie’s project expertise. Online platforms like Coursera offer mining engineering courses relevant to Ghana.
• Network Strategically: Attend WIM Ghana events organized by Angie Tetteh; leverage LinkedIn to connect with leaders like Barbara Owusu Konadu.
• Explore Artisanal Opportunities: Follow Rosemary Okla’s model—diversify into value-added products like gemstone jewelry for small-scale miners.
• Advocate for Education: Support initiatives like SOAR Global Foundation for community impact, blending professional and social roles.

Employers in Ghana’s mining can partner with WIM Ghana for diversity training, boosting local content compliance.

Points of Caution

While empowering, the mining industry poses challenges for women:

Industry Risks

• Safety Concerns: Mine sites demand rigorous safety protocols; Oppong Kwasie’s focus on operational safety is crucial, as accidents remain a verified risk in Ghanaian operations.
• Environmental Impacts: Dr. Loh’s work highlights groundwater contamination from mining—women advocates must prioritize sustainable practices.
• Artisanal Mining Issues: Galamsey (illegal mining) debates persist; WIM Ghana navigates this by promoting regulated diversification.
• Workforce Barriers: With only 10% representation, gender biases in hiring and promotions require vigilant advocacy.

Prospective members should verify opportunities through official WIM Ghana channels to avoid misinformation.

Comparison

Compared to prior leadership, the new team emphasizes technical depth. Dr. Barnes Sakyi-Addo built foundational visibility; Oppong Kwasie adds hands-on project scaling from firms like Tetra Tech.

Vs. Regional Peers

Versus Women in Mining South Africa (active since 2009), WIM Ghana is younger but Ghana-focused, targeting a 10% workforce share against South Africa’s higher but still low figures. Globally, initiatives like Australia’s Women in Mining Network share mentorship models, but WIM Ghana uniquely addresses West African artisanal challenges.

Pre- vs. Post-Transition

Legal Implications

In Ghana, the Minerals and Mining Act (2006, amended) mandates local content, including gender diversity promotion via the Local Content Regulations (LI 2177). WIM Ghana’s advocacy aligns with these, supporting compliance for mining firms. No direct legal mandates target women-specific quotas, but advocacy aids enforcement of non-discrimination under Labour Act 2003 (Act 651). The new executives’ sustainability focus may influence Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on mining impacts.

Conclusion

The announcement of Women in Mining Ghana’s new executives, spearheaded by Rosemary Oppong Kwasie, signals robust momentum for women empowerment in Ghana mining. Building on Dr. Barnes Sakyi-Addo’s legacy, this team addresses critical gaps in representation, skills, and sustainability. As Ghana’s mining sector evolves, WIM Ghana remains essential for fostering inclusive growth, inspiring women to lead in this economic powerhouse.

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