Ghanaian mining magnate Angela List has achieved a historic milestone after being conferred the 2025 Global Power Female Award in New York, USA.
The honour, regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions for women in leadership and enterprise, was presented during the Global Power Forum (GPF), held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Organised by the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) in collaboration with the African Leadership Organisation (ALO), the Global Power Forum celebrates trailblazers who have reshaped leadership narratives, empowered communities, and created lasting change.
Angela List, Chief Executive Officer of Nguvu Mining, is the first Ghanaian to receive the award, marking her as one of the continent’s most influential business leaders.
Global leaders in attendance
The high-level event brought together Heads of State, First Ladies, business leaders, and changemakers from across Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the diaspora.
Key speakers included former Tanzanian President Dr. Jackson Kikwete, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, Democratic Republic of Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, and Guatemala’s First Lady Lucrecia Peinado. Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, also graced the occasion.
Angela List’s recognition was described by organisers as a testament to her “journey, accomplishments, and bold leadership.” She was also inducted into the Global Power Women Network (GPWN), a premier platform for female leaders worldwide.
Two decades of mining leadership
Angela List’s journey in mining spans more than 25 years, during which she has established herself as one of Africa’s foremost entrepreneurs in the sector.
Through Nguvu Mining, she oversees assets across Mali, Liberia, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.
Her company’s portfolio includes Adamus Resources Limited, one of Ghana’s most prolific mines, and Northern Ashanti Mines, which is expected to begin production in 2026.
Currently, Nguvu Mining produces around 150,000 ounces of gold annually, with output projected to rise to 200,000 ounces once Northern Ashanti becomes operational.
Acknowledging her workforce, Angela said, “I can only thank my staff at Nguvu Mining. Their commitment to operations, adherence to mining safety, and shared prosperity in the communities we operate are what drive me.”
Gold boom, more for communities
The award coincides with a global surge in gold prices, which have soared nearly 200 per cent in the past two years.
As of October 2025, gold trades at $3,800 per ounce, up from $1,990 in 2023. Analysts predict the price could exceed $4,000 due to economic uncertainty in the United States.
Angela List emphasised that the windfall from rising gold prices would directly benefit host communities.
“Whenever gold prices rise, our contribution to the communities we serve also rises. We are passionate about our host communities—providing scholarships, building schools, and supporting traders. We are committed to changing the narrative in mining,” she said.
Championing women in mining
Beyond business, Angela List has become a role model for women in the mining industry, which remains heavily male-dominated. She stressed the importance of resilience, leadership, and compliance in overcoming industry barriers.
“There can be no excuses,” she declared. “I am blazing the trail for many more women to become mining entrepreneurs. Soon, we will see more women as engineers, executives, and professionals in the mining space.”
A platform for global power
The 2025 Global Power Forum combined the Global Power Women Conference (GPWC) and the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL) into one event, reflecting a growing focus on partnerships, inclusivity, and collective impact.
For Angela List, the award is not just a personal honour but also a symbol of Africa’s emerging leadership in global business.
Her story underscores how determination, vision, and a commitment to community development can elevate not only individual success but also the continent’s standing on the world stage.
