By Felix Cofie
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured workers at the Damang Gold Mine that no jobs will be lost during the mine’s impending ownership transition.
Speaking during a working visit to the site on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Minister—accompanied by Parliament’s Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources—stressed that the transition process is being guided by a clear directive from President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise worker protection and operational continuity.
The visit forms part of government’s proactive efforts to ensure uninterrupted mining operations while safeguarding livelihoods and maintaining investor confidence in Ghana’s mining sector.
Mr. Buah noted that the transition is not only about preserving jobs but also about improving efficiency, strengthening safety standards, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mine. The current lease held by Gold Fields Limited is set to expire on April 18, 2026, with government putting measures in place for a seamless handover.
“This assurance is coming from the President. His focus is on the people who work here—those with families who must be protected,” the Minister stated. “We are working with Parliament to ensure an orderly transition that guarantees safety, continuity, and the protection of all existing contracts.”
He added that Parliament is actively involved in shaping future lease arrangements to protect workers’ rights and position the mine for improved productivity under new ownership.
The engagement with workers helped to calm concerns and reinforce confidence that the transition will be peaceful, with no disruptions to operations.
Government’s decision not to renew the lease of Abosso Gold Fields Limited (AGL), a subsidiary of Gold Fields, dates back to April 2025, following a comprehensive review of the company’s operations and compliance record. The Minister at the time cited the need to break what he described as a “neo-colonial pattern” of automatic licence renewals.
According to the Ministry, the renewal application was declined due to the company’s failure to declare verifiable mineral reserves, absence of a detailed technical programme, and lack of investment in exploration activities over the previous two years.
Records further indicated that active mining at Damang had ceased in 2023, with operations shifting to stockpile processing in 2024, and the remaining life of the mine estimated at just one year. Concerns were also raised about limited reinvestment and job cuts, which cast doubt on the long-term viability of the asset under its previous operator.
Following the decision, the state assumed oversight of the mine in April 2025 under constitutional provisions, with a one-year extension granted to ensure a smooth transition.
As the April 18 deadline approaches, the Ministry has initiated a competitive bidding process to identify a new investor, with a strong emphasis on Ghanaian-centred ownership and long-term value creation.
The Damang Mine remains a strategic national asset, contributing significantly to gold production, export earnings, and employment. Government says its approach reflects a broader commitment to responsible resource management—balancing economic growth, job security, and social stability—while strengthening Ghana’s mining sector for the future.
