The pivotal role of gold in Ghana’s economic development and cultural identity will take centre stage next week at a major gathering hosted by the US-based Initiative in Art and Culture (IAC) at the Bohemian National Hall in New York City.

Held under the overarching theme Eye on the Prize, the 15th edition of IAC’s annual three-day conference will feature a special focus titled Ghana and Gold, highlighting the country’s rising prominence in global gold production.

The event is expected to draw a diverse audience including gold investors, bullion producers, assay institutions, and major international stakeholders such as The World Jewelry Confederation, The World Gold Council, the World Bank, Newmont Corporation, AngloGold Ashanti, Rio Grande of New Mexico, and Heritage Auctions—one of the world’s leading fine art and gemstone auction houses.

Also present will be academic institutions and regulators, as the summit comes at a time when nations and central banks around the world are ramping up gold investment as a safeguard for financial assets.

A major highlight of the event will be a keynote address by renowned Ghanaian historian and development specialist, Ivor Agyeman-Duah, titled Ghana and Gold: Path of the Antill.

Dr. Lisa Koenigsberg, Founding President of IAC, described Agyeman-Duah as “bringing his multiple skills as a central bank historian, museum economist involved in restitution and return of ancient gold ornaments aside being a consultant of multilateral projects involving the World Bank.”

The keynote address will set the tone for a series of high-level panel discussions, including Retaining Greater Value In-Country: Strategic Approaches, which will explore policies to ensure Ghana captures more value from its gold resources.

Panellists for the session include Brad Brooks-Rubin, former Senior Advisor at the US Department of State’s Office of Sanctions Coordination; Shari Cittleman, Senior Director at Newmont; Lucian Simmons, Head of Legal Operations at AngloGold Ashanti; Jassi Munanka, Director of the Research Center for Responsible Mining at the University of São Paulo; and Brecken Brandstater, Editor-in-Chief of Gemworld International, a leading journal on gemstone pricing.

The event aims to provoke global dialogue on responsible mining, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment in resource-rich nations like Ghana.

The theme of the conference, according to Dr. Lisa Koenigsberg, was carefully selected in recognition of the current turbulence facing the precious metals, gemstones, and jewellery sectors. “As the precious metals, gemstones, and jewelry sectors face upheaval, whether political, military, economic, or technologic, we must keep our ‘eye on the prize,’ a flourishing and unhabituated planet on which the centrality of heritage and artisanry is recognized,” she stated.

As part of the gathering, IAC will present several honours, including the Award for Responsible Practice in Jewellery Leadership—given to eight global recipients for ethical sourcing and responsible conduct—and the Fifth Award for Extraordinary Contributions to the Diamond and Jewellery Business, among others.

Arien Gessner, President of Rio Grande, one of the oldest and most respected jewellery companies based in New Mexico, praised IAC’s role in transforming the industry. “The IAC creates meaningful progress in the jewellery industry and starts with open dialogue and purposeful collaboration. The Gold and Diamond Conference provides a vital forum where ideas are sparked, relationships are strengthened, and the future of our craft is shaped,” he remarked.

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