"Ken Ashigbey\u2019s Appointments Are Not Government Jobs \u2013 Let\u2019s Set the Record Straight"

" Ken Ashigbey\u2019s Appointments Are Not Government Jobs \u2013 Let\u2019s Set the Record Straight \r\n\r\nIn recent days, I have encountered a worrying wave of misinformation\u2014some of it carelessly repeated, others perhaps deliberately spread\u2014regarding the nature of Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey\u2019s recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines. As someone who has followed his career trajectory closely, and after sitting down with him for a candid interview, I feel compelled to set the record straight.\r\n\r\nLet us be clear from the outset:\u00a0 Dr. Ashigbey\u2019s appointment as CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, like his earlier role at the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, is not a government appointment. \u00a0These are purely private-sector institutions , governed by their own boards and executive structures. Their leadership is selected through transparent, merit-based processes\u2014 not \u00a0by the government, the President, or any political party.\r\n\r\n What Ken Ashigbey Had to Say \r\n\r\nIn our interview, Dr. Ashigbey was unequivocal in his response:\r\n\r\n\u201cSome people who should know better continue to peddle the false narrative that my appointment at the Chamber of Mines is a government posting. This also happened when I was appointed CEO of the Telecoms Chamber. The truth is simple\u2014both are private organisations with independent governance structures. My appointments came through rigorous processes conducted by their executive committees, with zero involvement from the government.\u201d\r\n\r\nThe Ghana Chamber of Mines, he noted, is a private-sector industry association representing the collective interests of mining companies operating in Ghana. Likewise, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications serves the telecom and digital ecosystem. Both are driven by\u00a0 industry priorities ,\u00a0 not government directives .\r\n\r\n\u201cThe Chambers exist to serve their member companies and the wider national interest, but they are not government agencies. That distinction matters, especially when false assumptions begin to cloud public understanding,\u201d he added.\r\n\r\n A Career Anchored in Industry Leadership \r\n\r\nDr. Ashigbey\u2019s impressive professional journey includes his tenure as CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, where he led the industry through a dynamic period of transformation\u2014from growing mobile money ecosystems to shaping critical ICT policies.\r\n\r\nBefore that, he served as Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd., a state-owned enterprise. Though his appointment by the independent constitutional body the National Media Commission in consultation with the President, his performance was consistently marked by independent-minded leadership \u00a0and\u00a0 professional credibility .\r\n\r\nHis latest appointment at the Chamber of Mines\u2014announced by the Chamber\u2019s board on June 1, 2025\u2014further underscores the confidence the private sector has in his ability to lead institutions at the intersection of national development and industrial growth.\r\n\r\n\u201cMy mandate at the Chamber of Mines is to advance sustainable and responsible mining in Ghana,\u201d he said. \u201cI will continue to be an advocate for sustainable and responsible mining that the Chamber stands for as well\u00a0 environmental protection, local content development, value creation for all stakeholders as well as mining as a catalyst for sustainable national development.\u201d\r\n\r\n Why This Clarification Matters \r\n\r\nThe suggestion that such appointments are government postings is not only false\u2014it also risks undermining the\u00a0 integrity of our private sector institutions , many of which are working hard to complement national development in areas ranging from telecoms to natural resources.\r\n\r\nIt is critical for Ghanaians to understand that\u00a0 private industry associations are not extensions of the state . Their leadership is answerable to boards made up of member companies, not to ministries or political parties.\r\n\r\nTo quote a senior figure at the Telecoms Chamber:\r\n\r\n\u201cDr. Ashigbey brought credibility, innovation, and clarity of purpose to our work. His leadership helped us navigate regulatory and technological challenges. His appointment was based on performance and vision, nothing else.\u201d\r\n\r\nLikewise, a source close to the Chamber of Mines emphasised:\r\n\r\n\u201cKen Ashigbey\u2019s appointment followed a structured recruitment process led by the Chamber\u2019s Executive Committee. His track record in telecoms, media, and public advocacy made him the obvious choice.\u201d\r\n\r\n APSU Pride \r\n\r\nAs proud alumni of\u00a0 St. Augustine\u2019s College , both Dr. Ashigbey (APSU '88) and I (APSU '80) share not just a bond of brotherhood but a deep-rooted commitment to nation-building\r\n\r\nthrough professionalism and excellence. His achievements inspire not only our APSU fraternity but the wider Ghanaian society.\r\n\r\nOn behalf of all APSUnians, I say:\u00a0 we are extremely proud of Dr. Ken Ashigbey \u00a0and pray that the good Lord continues to guide and bless him to do even more for his beloved motherland. His journey is a shining example of what integrity, competence, and patriotism can achieve.\r\n\r\n Peter Martey Agbeko is a communications and public affairs professional, former public servant, and active commentator on media and governance issues in Ghana. \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n "

"Ken Ashigbey\u2019s Appointments Are Not Government Jobs \u2013 Let\u2019s Set the Record Straight"

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