The Ghana Chamber of Mines has appointed Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi and Messers, Eric Asubonteng as its new president.

Eric Asubonteng officially became the new leader of the institution after a short handing over ceremony at the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ 90th Annual General Meeting at the Accra International Conference Center on Friday, June 1, 2018.

He succeeds immediate past president, Kwame Addo-Kufuor.

The theme for this year's convergence was "A Responsible & Sustainable Mining Industry; A Partner for National Development.”

Kwame Addo-Kufuor, before handing over to his successor mentioned, that the Chamber maintained its working relationship with stakeholders in both the public and private sector.

While congratulating the new President, he was happy to announce that, “We engaged key officials of the government who had just assumed office to lend our support to the execution of their policies…The Chamber sought to gain the support of officials to advocate for responsible and sustainable mining.”

Eric Asubonteng, in his speech said he is proud to be associated with the Chamber which has over the years accomplished several strides in leveraging the country’s minerals endowment and activities of member companies to hasten the evolution of the economy from one dependent on external gratuities and policies to a self-reliant and resilient one.

However, addressing member companies and stakeholders, he said more needs to be done as the institution continues to explore best way to partner with host governments and stakeholders in promoting the industry that benefits all stakeholders in a balanced and sustainable manner.

He continued, "It is for this reason that I accept this position with all humility, to continue on the trajectory of progressing the industry after nine decades...I would like to assure membership of the Chamber that we will Marshall all efforts, skills and resources to make certain that the Chamber and hence the industry continues to play a key role as a partner in propelling the nation to where it ought to stand within the global economy."

The new GCM President thus called on the support of the Sector Minister to deepen the collaboration between the Inspectorate Division of Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency in permitting and monitoring the operations of member companies.

Mr Asubonteng was hopeful that a "constructive relationship between the two regulators will bring significant relief to our members and improve productivity and efficiency."