The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured workers of Damang Gold Mine that no jobs will be lost during the intended ownership transition.
Speaking during a working visit to the mine yesterday, the minister emphasised that President John Dramani Mahama had given explicit directives that the takeover must prioritise worker protection and operational continuity.
The visit — in the company of Parliament’s Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources — formed part of proactive efforts by the government to ensure that mining activities continued uninterrupted, while safeguarding the livelihoods of employees and maintaining investor confidence in Ghana’s mining sector.
Mr Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Elembele in the Western Region, emphasised that the smooth transition process was designed not only to protect jobs but also to enhance operational efficiency, safety standards and long-term sustainability at the mine.
He said the current lease held by Gold Fields was set to expire on April 18, 2026, and that the government was putting in place measures to guarantee an orderly and seamless handover.
Assurance
“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.
So, I am here with MPs who will work on this same mine in terms of future lease to make sure that there is an orderly transition to make sure that the operation is not interrupted when a new owner takes over, and that it guarantees the safety of the miners, and all who have existing contracts here,” the minister stated.
He added that Parliament was 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 their fears and reinforce confidence that the transition would be peaceful with no disruptions or unrest.
No new lease
The Government’s decision not to issue the lease to another company is a result of the failure of Gold Fields to comply with the terms of the expiring lease, particularly the legal framework for an application for a renewal of the lease.
Records indicate that Gold Fields had halted active mining at Damang in 2023, and shifted to stockpile processing in 2024, with the remaining life of the 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 the asset and its long-term viability.
Despite the non-renewal of the lease, the state granted a one-year extension, which was subsequently granted to facilitate a safe and orderly transition.
As the April 18, 2026 deadline approaches, the ministry has initiated a competitive bidding process to identify a new investor and operator for the mine, with the 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 Ghana’s gold production, export earnings and employment.
Analysts have stated that the government’s approach signals a broader commitment to responsible resource management, balancing economic growth, job security and social stability while strengthening the country’s mining sector for the future.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh