The Government of Ghana is holding a high-level meeting today with senior executives from Gold Fields to finalize plans surrounding the transition of the Damang Mine in the Western Region back to state ownership.
The talks, expected to involve top officials from Gold Fields’ Group Head Office in South Africa, are part of broader efforts to manage the transition without disrupting operations or causing uncertainty for workers and stakeholders.
At the center of discussions is a proposal to allow Gold Fields to continue managing the mine for a limited period despite the Minerals Commission’s decision not to renew the company’s lease. Government insiders have hinted at the possibility of extending Gold Fields’ operational oversight for up to a year before a full handover is completed.
In the interim, Gold Fields has been directed to keep equipment functional at the site. Workers have also been instructed to maintain their regular duties while negotiations continue.
The latest developments follow a formal announcement by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, who confirmed last week that the state would assume ownership of the Damang Mine. This marks a significant move in the government’s broader plan to review and reassess mining concessions across the country.
However, the state’s decision has drawn criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who caution that recent shifts in mining policy could destabilize the sector. In a strongly worded letter dated April 21, 2025, the opposition warned of economic setbacks should the government proceed with what it describes as “unfriendly” strategies.
The letter, addressed to the Ministers for Finance and Lands and Natural Resources, was signed by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (Ranking Member, Economy and Development Committee), Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong (Ranking Member, Lands and Natural Resources Committee), and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam (Ranking Member, Finance Committee).
According to the MPs, the new approach—along with the imposition of a 3% Growth and Sustainability Levy on gross mining output and an additional levy scheduled for 2026 to 2028—risks driving away investors, hindering growth, and costing thousands of jobs.
As stakeholders await the outcome of today’s meeting, many in the mining industry are watching closely to see how the government navigates the complex balance between resource control and private sector participation.
