The minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has stated that Damang mineworkers will not be sacked as government takes over the site from Gold Fields.
According to the sector minister, the return of the site to the state marks a critical step in Ghana’s economic reset.
He noted that this will ensure Ghana’s gold reserves directly benefit citizens and fuel long-term prosperity.
Kofi Buah revealed the government’s fundamental decision is committed to maintaining uninterrupted operations, protecting jobs, and honouring existing valid service contracts.
The government of Ghana will officially assume operational control of the Damang Mine, previously managed by Abosso Gold Fields Limited (AGL), effective 19 April 2025.
Mining operations at Damang commenced in August 1997, with Gold Fields Limited emerging as a key player in Ghana’s gold production.
The company owns both the Tarkwa and Damang mines, in which the Government of Ghana holds a 10% carried interest in each.
In a press statement issued by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources he stated, “The Damang Mine’s return to state oversight marks a critical step in Ghana’s economic reset, ensuring its gold reserves directly benefit citizens and fuel long-term prosperity.”
“This decision aligns with Government’s policy shift away from the neo-colonial posturing of automatic renewals of licenses for mining in Ghana, focusing instead on a thorough reassessment of mining licenses to ensure optimal national benefit. With that said, we are on the lookout for value propositions on the utilization of our mineral resources that align with the same.”
Mr Buah said, “It is imperative to note that while the government remains steadfast in its commitments, this decision was neither taken arbitrarily nor without due process. Rather, it was predicated upon cogent, empirically substantiated grounds,
The press release noted that, “In light of the aforementioned, and in the national interest, under Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution, the State shall assume oversight and operational responsibility of the Damang Mine effective 19 April 2025. Fundamental to this decision is the government’s commitment to maintaining uninterrupted operations, protecting jobs, and honoring existing valid service contracts while ensuring compliance with legal and fiscal obligations and securing Ghana’s rightful benefits from this critical resource.”
“Ghana remains a beacon of responsible investment and stability. While we remain open to continuous collaboration and support for foreign investors, we are clear on the need to balance all interests and priorities with the long-term needs of our people. You can be assured of Ghana’s friendly and welcoming investment climate.
“We call for unity and trust in this process. The transition will be executed transparently, with a dedicated team engaging stakeholders to ensure stability. We will continue to provide regular updates as we journey along on this new path, confident that today’s decisions will yield a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow,” he added.
Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have reacted to the news Gold Field exit by questioning the person who signed the lease contract from 1995 to 202 saying, “ First of all, who’s the F00l who signed this contract in the first place??”
Another stated, “ From 1995 to 2025 which is 30 good years. Let’s ask ourselves what one prominent thing or remarkable object have they done for the Nation within these periods.
Not University, Hospital, Railways, Roads, Ultra modern Market nothing and U need another 30 years to exploit. Never”.
One user also stated, “10% interest? Well, well, well!… Good the Minerals Commission turned them down”.
Additionally, an X user also wrote, “Trust me even if Ghana owns 100% of the mine Ghanaian citizens will still not benefit anything from it, all the money will end up in our politician’s pockets”.
