Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
Some Ghanaians have questioned the rationale behind the government’s decision not to renew Gold Fields’ mining lease for the Damang Mine in the Western Region.
They raised concerns over whether a stronger influence may be behind the government’s decision.
In a post shared on social media, former Corporate Affairs Manager for Ghana COCOBOD, Fiifi Boafo, expressed worry about the potential impact of the move on investor confidence in Ghana.
“Particularly, amid claims that some mining companies, frustrated by recent developments, are already exiting the country,” he said.
He was more worried at the possible adverse effect the decision could have on employees, locals, and the broader community that has, over the years, benefited from Gold Fields’ presence.
“Why is Gold Fields struggling to get its Damang Mine lease renewed? Is there a powerful hand frustrating the process in order to take over the mine?
“What will be the effect on investor confidence in the country. Who stands to benefit from the potential refusal of the lease renewal. Will it be the government, employees or the local community? Interesting days ahead,” he wrote in the post.
Meanwhile, DAILY GUIDE has gathered that the company is currently engaging with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, in an attempt to resolve the situation.
In the meantime, Gold Fields has informed its workers to begin preparing for the expiry of the lease.
A memo to the staff of the gold mining company indicated that its current lease at Damang will expire on April 18, 2025.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi