Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has delivered a firm assurance to workers at the Damang Gold Mine that no jobs will be lost during the impending ownership transition.
Speaking during a working visit to the mine yesterday, the Minister accompanied by Parliament’s Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources emphasised that President John Dramani Mahama has given explicit directives that the takeover must prioritise worker protection and operational continuity.
The visit formed part of proactive efforts by the government to ensure that mining activities continue uninterrupted, while safeguarding the livelihoods of employees and maintaining investor confidence in Ghana’s mining sector.
Mr. Buah emphasised that the smooth transition process is designed not only to protect jobs but also to enhance operational efficiency, safety standards, and long-term sustainability at the mine.
According to him, the current lease held by Gold Fields is set to expire on April 18, 2026, and the government is putting in place measures to guarantee an orderly and seamless handover.
“This assurance is coming from President John Dramani Mahama. His focus is on the people who work here—those who have families and need to be protected,” the Minister stated.
He also added that Parliament is actively involved in shaping future lease arrangements to ensure continuity, protect workers’ rights, and position the mine for improved productivity.
The engagement with workers also helped to allay fears and reinforce confidence that the transition will be peaceful, with no disruptions or unrest.
Government’s decision not to issue the lease to another company is a result of the failure of Goldfields to comply with the terms of the expiring lease, particularly the legal framework for an application for a renewal of the lease. Records indicated that Gold Fields had halted active mining at Damang in 2023 and shifted to stockpile processing in 2024, with the remaining life of mine estimated at one year . The absence of adequate proportional investment into the mine and job cuts raised serious concerns about the company’s commitment to sustainable mining for this asset, and its long-term viability.
Despite the non -renewal of the lease, the State granted a one-year extension was subsequently granted to facilitate a safe and orderly transition.
As the April 18 deadline approaches, the Ministry has initiated a competitive bidding process to identify a new investor and operator for the mine, with government emphasising its preference for long-term Ghanaian-centred ownership and investment
The Ministry has reiterated that the Damang Mine remains a key national asset, contributing significantly to the country’s gold production, export earnings, and employment.
A Daily Guide Report