The Wassa Fiase Traditional Council has unanimously called on government not to renew the mining lease of Gold Fields Ghana Limited at Tarkwa.
The Council, at a meeting, argued that despite serving as a mining hub for decades, the area has seen little significant development to match the wealth extracted from its lands.
According to the chiefs, the lease, which expires in April 2027, should be handed over to a local operator who can better serve the interest of the community.
The Paramount Queen Mother of the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area, Nana Abena Kunadjoa II, explained that the Council’s decision is not borne out of hatred, but out of a desire for development.
“When you compare the huge revenue generated from gold to what has been given back to the nation and the host community, it is clear that a Ghanaian deserves the opportunity now,” she said.
Supporting the motion, the Chief of Mahamo, Nana Kobina Gyan II, stressed that the stance of the Council is not driven by hatred or external influence.
He said they feel cheated by the company which is given only a few despite deriving much from the area.
“The black man is capable of managing his own affairs,” he stressed.
Some divisional chiefs also took turns to share their frustrations and to back the call for the lease to be given to a local person.
Report by Paa Kojo Peters / Connect FM
