By Felix Cofie
Lands and Mines Watch Ghana has commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for what it describes as a transparent and lawful approach to managing the transition of the Damang Mine lease.
In a statement, the civil society group praised the minister’s handling of the impending expiration of the mining lease, highlighting his decision to trigger provisions under the Minerals and Mining (General) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176) to guide a competitive tendering process.
According to the group, the move reflects a strong commitment to due process, regulatory compliance and the protection of Ghana’s national interest in the extractive sector.
The statement further welcomed the issuance of formal notices to interested parties and the initiation of an independent technical and financial assessment, describing these steps as consistent with global best practices in mineral resource governance.
“These actions send a strong signal to both domestic and international investors that Ghana remains a stable, predictable and transparent mining jurisdiction,” the statement said.
Lands and Mines Watch Ghana added that the ongoing process is critical to safeguarding jobs in host communities, maximising value from Ghana’s mineral resources and promoting accountability and efficiency in the allocation of mining rights. It also stressed the importance of increasing Ghanaian participation and ensuring long-term sustainability in the sector.
While reiterating its commitment to transparency and fairness, the group recommended Engineers & Planners Company Limited as a “highly capable and credible entity” for consideration in the Damang lease bid process. It cited the company’s technical expertise, operational efficiency and alignment with Ghana’s local content and value addition goals.
The organisation urged the ministry to maintain the current level of transparency throughout the process and ensure that the final decision reflects the best interests of the Ghanaian people.
Executive Director of the group, Kwame Owusu Danso, who signed the statement, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting policies that promote responsible resource governance, investor confidence and sustainable national development.
