Mr Sam Poku, long-time Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education, has been honoured by the Ghana Chamber of Mines in recognition of his outstanding leadership during his tenure as Executive Director of the chamber, as well as his inestimable contribution to the mining industry.
Mr Poku, one of the longest serving heads of the Chamber, served as Assistant Executive Secretary from 1976-1980 and Executive Director from I980-1996. Mr Poku’s tenure at the helm of the Chamber coincided with the period of Ghana’s most tumultuous political history, thus creating huge difficulties for business in general, but, even more so, for the mining industry, which was dominated by big multinational companies with massive investments in the country.
Those formidable challenges, notwithstanding, Mr Poku is credited with creating the opportunity for the chamber to work amicably with key regulatory authorities and the political leadership.
His effective leadership role created the foundation that helped build the reputation of the Chamber in advocating for policies that were beneficial to the economy in general and the mining sector in particular.
In this sense, Mr Poku played a significant role in steering the growth of one of the most important sectors of the economy at a crucial time in Ghana’s political and economic history.
The Chamber of Mines, currently under the leadership of Mr Sulemanu Koney, organised the maiden edition of the Mining Industry Awards GMIA 2015 at the plush Alisa Hotel on December 3, 2015 to honour, among others, its past CEOs. Mr Poku was honoured at the event, alongside other past CEOs of the Chamber, including Mr John Bentum-Williams, Ms Joyce Aryee, and Tony Aubyn.
Mr Sam Poku, a proud Akora (1960 Year Group), is a polymath and a true patriot who has spent his entire career in service to this nation in various capacities.
Currently in his 70s, Mr Poku works as the CEO of the Business Council for Africa-BCA (GH) and is married to Mrs Mary Yvonne Poku, with six children and 11 grandchildren.
The Board, Management and Staff of IMANI would like to take this fine opportunity to celebrate one of IMANI’s biggest fans. We are truly privileged to be associated with you.
<<Print>>