ABOSSO, April 18, 2025 — Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured workers at the Abosso Gold Fields Damang Mines that their jobs are safe amid a tense transition period following the government’s decision to assume control of the mine after the expiry of its operating lease.
Speaking during a visit to the mining site, Mr. Buah stated that the government is committed to preserving livelihoods and ensuring continuity in operations despite uncertainties surrounding the licence renewal process.
“Today, we had to come to engage the workers of the Gold Fields Damang Mines to assure them of His Excellency President Mahama’s commitment that even in this transitional period, their jobs will be guaranteed,” he said.
Mr. Buah added that the transition would not affect existing contracts of contractors and subcontractors, stating that the aim is to empower communities, not disrupt their economic stability.
The lease for Damang Mines expired today, April 18, 2025, and its non-renewal has sparked serious concerns among workers and stakeholders. Over 1,000 jobs are at stake, with planned demonstrations looming as the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) voices frustration over the situation.
“If the government doesn’t change its position, we may lose our incomes—and that could force us to march and demand our livelihoods directly,” warned GMWU General Secretary, Abdul-Moomin Gbana.
In a statement, Gold Fields Ghana expressed its continued engagement with the government to find a resolution in the interest of all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has defended the government’s decision to reject Gold Fields’ renewal application, citing procedural lapses and lack of proper engagement by the company.
“If they had a better proposal, they should have engaged the Minerals Commission directly, instead of writing letters,” Mr. Tandoh told Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition.
He accused the company of prioritising foreign investments over reinvesting in Ghana’s mining sector, claiming that profits from the Damang and Tarkwa mines were being used to purchase assets abroad.
“They made over $600 million in profit last year. Instead of developing the Damang mine, they were buying mines in Canada and Chile,” Tandoh charged.
“They’ve been taking free cash from Ghana without actually working. Ghanaians deserve better.”
Mr. Tandoh also challenged the narrative that local firms lack capacity, pointing to multimillion-dollar equipment deals by Ghanaian firms like Engineers & Planners, Rockshore, and BCM.
Despite the criticism, he clarified that the government is not seeking to expel foreign firms but expects transparency and local benefit from any preferential treatment offered.
“We are not saying we’re going to chase all mining companies away. No. But if we give you a 30-year lease and waive your taxes, we expect returns that benefit the people,” he said.
As tensions rise, calls are intensifying for urgent dialogue and resolution, as the economic ripple effects of a shutdown could affect thousands of families and the broader Western Region economy.
Please download our HOTDIGITAL ONLINE APP and follow HotDigital Online on our social media platforms to stay updated on our upcoming initiatives.
#HotDigitalHealthAwareness #CommunityHealth #GhanaNursesAssociationUK #HealthMatters #HotDigitalOnline #StrongerTogether
