A Tribute to Kenneth Ashigbey: A Champion in the Fight Against Galamsey by Akwasi Agyemang

I can still picture that moment so clearly—it’s etched in my memory. It was the start of something big, something that would change the course of our fight against galamsey. At the time, I was the President of GIBA and also serving on the board of the Graphic Communications Group Limited. I went to meet Ken Ashigbey, who was then the Managing Director of Graphic, in his office. He was in a meeting with Chief Crystal of Crystal TV and also a member of the council of Elders of GIBA, discussing a potential partnership with Graphic TV. Little did we know, that meeting would spark a movement.

I can still picture that moment so clearly—it’s etched in my memory. It was the start of something big, something that would change the course of our fight against galamsey. At the time, I was the President of GIBA and also serving on the board of the Graphic Communications Group Limited. I went to meet Ken Ashigbey, who was then the Managing Director of Graphic, in his office. He was in a meeting with Chief Crystal of Crystal TV and also a member of the council of Elders of GIBA, discussing a potential partnership with Graphic TV. Little did we know, that meeting would spark a movement.

The President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo had just made a bold declaration, putting his Presidency on the line to fight galamsey. It was a powerful moment, and we knew we had to step up. As media leaders, we felt the weight of responsibility. That conversation in Ken’s office wasn’t just about partnerships—it was about how we could use our platforms to make a real difference and support Government in this fight. And that’s exactly what we set out to do.

Bringing the Media Together

During that meeting, Chief Crystal reminded us of our duty to drive change. It was a wake-up call and our minds were made up. Ken didn’t waste any time. He immediately called Carol who was MD of the Ghanaian Times.That phone call plus other outreaches was the spark that lit the fire. Soon, we had a coalition forming, with individuals and organizations ready to take a stand. We reached out to Ace Ankomah of OccupyGhana, who joined us with incredible energy and determination.

Our united front grew stronger when we met with the then Minister of Information, Hon.Mustapha Hamid. We assured him that the media was fully behind the fight. Around the same time, Citi FM, led by Samens (who was then Vice President of GIBA), launched its own powerful campaign against galamsey. It was inspiring to see so many voices coming together, all driven by the same goal: to protect our land. Our Executive Secretary at GIBA, Ms. Gloria Hiadzi, was on hand to ensure all broadcasters were playing their part in this national crusade. We reached out to The Ghana Community Radio Network (GCRN). All was set for a national campaign.

Taking the Fight to the Ground

But this wasn’t just about meetings and media campaigns. Ken’s leadership pushed us to go beyond the boardrooms and into the communities most affected by galamsey. We visited places like Dunkwa-on-offin and Manso Nkantwa, meeting with local leaders and community members. These visits were eye-opening. They reminded us that this fight wasn’t just about stopping illegal mining—it was about restoring hope and dignity to people whose lives had been torn apart.

Years of Commitment and Building Partnerships

Over the years, I’ve come to deeply admire Ken’s tireless energy and passion for justice. He’s brought so many partners into the fold—Prinpag, GJA, GNA, and various civil society organizations like A Rocha and individuals like Senyo Hosi and Erastus Asare Donkor—all united in this cause. His ability to bring people together has been incredible. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Ken on different fronts— i used to buy media from him on MultiMedia Platforms and i know how tough a negotiator he is and can be; We both served on the GIBA Executive Council where i later became Vice President and President; worked with him on the Graphic Board and currently on the Hearts of Oak Board. Through it all, I’ve seen his relentless drive to make a difference in the society around him. It’s that commitment that makes him such an inspiring leader.

Looking Ahead: The Fight Continues

Now, Ken finds himself at the heart of this fight as CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines – a role that suits him perfectly. His unshakable Ghanaian spirit and his knack for rallying support across all sectors give me hope that the best is yet to come. I pray that Ken continues to lead with the same passion and determination. With every step, with every partnership we build, I believe we’re getting closer to victory. And when that day comes, we’ll celebrate together, knowing that the Media Coalition Against Galamsey was a spark. This is the time to continue to fight this menace called galamsey and make a difference for our country.

Ken Ashigbey’s journey—from that pivotal meeting in his office to his current role as a central figure in the Mining community—is a story of courage, commitment, and the power of working together. His leadership has not only inspired a media coalition but has also ignited a broader movement for environmental justice in Ghana.

As we continue to document these efforts, I’m filled with hope. Ken, as you step into this role, remember to carry on the fight. ( Fight the good fight of faith …..1 Timothy 6:12)

Together, let’s continue this path of protecting our forests and water bodies and for a more sustainable future for Ghana.

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