Hundreds of youth, opinion leaders, and residents from host communities within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration to rally support for the renewal of Gold Fields’ mining lease ahead of its April 2027 expiration.
Marching through the principal streets of Tarkwa, the demonstrators carried placards highlighting the extensive social interventions and community development projects funded by the mining giant.
The crowd appealed directly to the government, warning of the economic fallout should the company’s operations come to an end.
While multiple mining companies operate within the municipality, residents argued that Gold Fields has set a distinct benchmark for corporate social responsibility. They cited long-standing investments in local healthcare, education, skills training, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
”Gold Fields is the light of Tarkwa, and if Gold Fields goes off now, Tarkwa will go off as well,” said John Nsoh, Assembly Member for New Atuabo, during the rally. “Look at the T&A Park, the Bogoso Junction to Damang road, the road from Budo City to Bogoso Junction, and many others. All of these were done by Gold Fields. If the government does not renew their lease, it will deeply affect our community.”
Beyond infrastructural development, demonstrators voiced concerns regarding potential alternative operators should the lease not be extended to the incumbent.
John Davies, a local resident participating in the march, emphasized the company’s track record relative to other operators in the area.
“We are here demonstrating because Gold Fields is not being fairly treated,” Davies noted. “We have three mining companies here in Tarkwa, and weighing all three, Gold Fields stands tall. I also have concerns about handing the mine over to local operators, as some have a history of treating workers unfairly compared to Gold Fields. I plead with the government to give them the lease to continue their work.”
The demonstration concluded with a unified appeal to state authorities to extend the mining lease, maintaining that Gold Fields’ continued presence remains vital to sustaining jobs, local business growth, and community welfare across the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.
Eben Agyekum-Boateng, 3Business
