Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured workers of Abosso Gold Fields Damang Mines that they will not lose their jobs after the government refused to renew the licence of the company.
The minister pointed out that the government’s decision to take over the company does not mean that its workers are going to lose their jobs.
He emphasized that the government fully recognises the vital role workers play in the survival of the company.
The minister made these remarks, according to myjoyonline, during a visit to the Abosso Gold Fields Damang Mines.
“Today, we had to come to engage the workers of the Gold Fields Damang Mines to assure them of His Excellency, President Mahama’s commitment to ensure that even in this transitional period their jobs will be guaranteed. We are going to work with them to ensure the safety and sanctity of the plants and operations here,” he said.
Armah-Kofi Buah also stated that entities who have been contracted by the company should also not fear losing their contracts.
“Contractors and subcontractors who work here must be assured that this transition will not affect their commitments, agreements and contracts that they have here,” he added.
According to him, the government’s primary objective regarding the mining company is to use it as a tool to empower local residents.
“Ultimately, it is to strengthen them, not to weaken anybody. The intention is to empower the communities here and to make sure that they ensure that there is continuity in operations,” he reiterated.
Meanwhile, reports from the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) have indicated that Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of mining giant Gold Fields Limited, has initiated legal proceedings against the government following the termination of its mining lease for the Damang site.
The legal action comes in response to the government’s decision not to renew the company’s 30-year lease, a move reportedly influenced by pressure from local youth, who have accused the company of failing to make meaningful contributions to community development.
With the lease set to expire on Friday, April 18, 2025, the government has taken over operational control of the Damang Mine.
In an official statement, the government cited the company’s failure to declare verifiable mineral reserves as a key reason for rejecting Abosso Goldfields Limited’s lease renewal application.
Gold Fields Limited,one of the world’s leading gold producers, operates two major mining sites in Ghana: The Tarkwa Mine, managed by Gold Fields Ghana, and the Damang Mine, operated by Abosso Goldfields Limited.
The company gained full operational control of the Damang Mine in 2011 after acquiring IAMGold’s remaining shares.
BAI/ EB
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