WIM Ghana celebrates women in maiden annual conference
The president of WIM Ghana said, “A recent study sponsored by the Ford Foundation and commissioned by Women in Mining Ghana, revealed that issues such as sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation and lack of effective female leadership still plague the industry
Women in Mining Ghana (WIM Ghana), a network that promotes the advancement of women in the natural resources sector, has held its maiden annual conference dubbed “Future-fit responsible mining – the female factor.”
The conference, which was held on Friday 9 June – the final day of the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ Ghana Mining and Energy Summit 2023 – at the Accra International Conference Centre, celebrated women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations in mining.
The event was aimed at encouraging interactive discussions on issues affecting females in the mining industry, offering extensive networking opportunities for mining professionals, students and other players from different sectors of the economy. Panel discussions highlighted the roles, opportunities and challenges of women in the extractive industry as well as new technologies in mining, urging women to stay abreast with artificial intelligence.
The president of WIM Ghana, Georgette Barnes Sakyi-Addo, acknowledged the remarkable achievements of women who have conquered barriers: Genevieve Tettey, Vicky Bleepony, Celestine Allotey, Joyce Aryee and Alexandra Amoako Mensah – whose thesis led to the recent discovery of lithium. They are trail blazers who have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Sakyi-Addo said, “Their resilience, intelligence and unwavering determination continue to inspire us all.” She called for continuous engagements among industry stakeholders to address women’s challenges.
The president of WIM Ghana said, “A recent study sponsored by the Ford Foundation and commissioned by Women in Mining Ghana, revealed that issues such as sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation and lack of effective female leadership still plague the industry.
“I believe a continuous engagement at all levels is key to resolving and brining attention to some of these issues.”
Sakyi-Addo commended industry partners such Ghana Chamber of Mines and platinum sponsors – Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), The Minerals Development Fund and Goldfields Ghana – for their generous support and tireless efforts in making the conference a success.
She said, “I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Lindiwe Services and Women in Mining Ghana volunteers. Without your dedication and unwavering support, this conference would not have been possible.”
In her remarks, Judy Crayem – the chairwoman for the event –, shared her experience of how she started her career in mining in 1988. She expressed satisfaction about the growth of women in the extractive industry. She also advised young females to take every opportunity for career advancement.
Crayem said, “You should take every opportunity to learn and grow in the industry of your choice.” She commended WIM Ghana for its good work, saying, “…gives me the impression that we have come to stay, and we plan to make it big.”
The deputy chief executive officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission, Shirley Kyei, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the chairwoman of the Minerals Commission’s board. Kyei said the unwavering commitment by WIM Ghana towards the advancement of women in the natural resource sector deserves great commendation.
She urged all stakeholders, especially the government, investors, local communities, academia, civil society groups and organisations to continue to collaborate and channel more resources for the enhancement of women in the sector.
The Australian high commissioner to Ghana, Bernice Owen-Jones, said women in mining in Ghana are still underrepresented. She said, “A study indicates that women make up approximately 5-15% of large-scale mining worldwide.”
She stated that the Australian government is committed to collaborate with WIM Ghana in its mentoring programmes across the country. The managing director of PHI Century Limited, Essie Anno Sackey, applauded women for their efforts in mining sector.
The founder and the CEO of Dzibordi Consulting Group, Dzigbordzi Kwaku-Dosoo, told a story of how she began her journey in the extractive industry and encouraged women to be confident with competence.
The executive vice president and head of Gold Fields West Africa, Joshua Mortoti, advocated for an increase in the quota of women employed in the mining sector in Ghana. He said Gold Fields Ghana has introduced a 50-50 quota for recruiting interns and employing graduates in its operations.
The CEO of MIIF, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, said they look forward to becoming Africa’s sovereign fund in the next two years.
The conference was sponsored by MIIF.
Reporting by Tina Moses Sam
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