The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has assured the entire workforce of Damang Mine of the government’s commitment to retaining them, as Gold Fields’ mining lease approaches its expiration on April 18, 2026.
As the sun rises over the sprawling pits of the Damang Mine, the hum of heavy machinery tells a story of productivity but beneath the surface lies a critical juncture for Ghana’s mining sector.
The workers, apprehensive about what the future holds, are looking to the Lands Minister for reassurance amid the impending transition.
During a visit to the mine on Wednesday alongside the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Natural Resources, Minister Buah emphasized that the government has initiated a competitive and transparent tendering process to select a company with the proven capacity to take over and efficiently run the mine.
“This assurance comes from His Excellency President John Mahama. His main focus is that the people who work here, who have families here, must be protected,” the Minister said.
“That is why I am here with the members of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Natural Resources, who will ultimately also work on the terms of the future mining lease to ensure there is an orderly transition. This will guarantee that operations are not interrupted, the safety of the mine is secured, and contractors and the employment of those already working here are protected,” he assured.
He further described the transition as a strategic opportunity for local empowerment.
“This serves as a springboard for empowering Ghanaians to take the commanding heights of the mining sector. As a result of that and given that the current lease comes to an end on April 18, 2026, the government, following up on the commitment we made, has triggered a competitive and transparent tendering process to select the company that we believe has the capacity to run the mine,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Natural Resources, Apratwum Sarpong, who was also present during the visit, assured of the Minority’s determination to ensure the right investor takes over the mine, guaranteeing that the country continues to benefit.
“Let me restate that the Minority group in the opposition has a very key interest in making sure we get the right company and the right investor to take over the Damang mine,” Sarpong said. “We are committed to ensuring that Ghana continues to benefit from this mine.”
As the April 18 deadline draws closer, all eyes remain on the tendering process and the government’s next steps.
For now, workers at Damang Mine have received the clearest signal yet that their jobs and safety remain a national priority.
