Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
The government has announced that it has initiated measures to safeguard jobs, maintain service contracts as the Damang mining lease held by Abosso Gold fields, a subsidiary of Goldfields Ltd expires on April 18, 2026 after a year’s extension.
In a statement signed and issued by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah the government said the Damang Mine remains a key national asset that could continue to contribute significantly to the country’s gold production, export earnings and employment.
“To ensure continuity after the lease expires, government has initiated measures to safeguard jobs, maintain service contracts and reassure stakeholders. These steps form part of efforts to secure a credible investor and operator through a competitive bidding process ensuring that the mine’s continued contribution to national development and advancing long-term Ghanaian centered ownership and investment”.
“As the government advances this transition, it remains committed to ensuring that the Damang mine continues to deliver lasting value for the host communities and the nation at large,” parts of the statement read.
The Ministry further reiterated its commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship throughout the process.
Data from the Ghana Chamber of Mines indicates that the Damang mine has produced more than four million ounces of gold, which makes it am major contributor to the country’s mineral production.
To ensure continuity and allow time for transition arrangements, the government granted Gold Fields which has operated the Damang mine for over 25 years one-year extension lease as it intends to formally handover the mine to the government on April 18, 2026.
However, documents available to DAILY GUIDE show that before the expiration date, Engineers and Planners (E&P) had already positioned itself to take over the Damang asset.
Some documents reveal a detailed trail of letters, proposals and official engagements involving E&P, Gold Fields and the government, indicating that E&P’s process of acquiring the Damang mine started several years ago where it provided key services.
Industry experts have said the experience places E&P in a position to take over the operations of the Damang mine having worked extensively at the site in terms of geological structure, operational systems among others.
Mining experts are also of the view that E&P’s three decades of experience in the country’s mining sector, positions it as one of the best indigenous companies that has the capacity to operate the Damang mine.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah