Lands Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured workers at the Abosso Gold Fields Damang Mines that their jobs are safe despite the government’s decision to take over the mine due to lease renewal issues. During a visit to the mine, Minister Buah emphasized the importance of the workers to the company’s survival and guaranteed their job security during the transition period.
“We are going to work with them to ensure the safety and sanctity of the plants and operations here,” he stated. He also assured contractors and subcontractors that their commitments, agreements, and contracts would not be affected by the transition.
The government’s decision to assume operational control of the mine comes after Gold Fields’ application for lease renewal was rejected. Over 1,000 jobs were at risk, prompting concerns about the future of the mine’s workforce. The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) had threatened to protest if the government didn’t change its position.
GMWU General Secretary Abdul-Moomin Gbana expressed concerns about the potential consequences of job losses, stating, “If the government doesn’t change its position, we may lose our incomes—and that could force us to march and demand our livelihoods directly.”
Meanwhile, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, attributed the issue to Gold Fields’ failure to follow proper renewal procedures. He defended the government’s decision, citing the company’s alleged exploitative behavior and lack of reinvestment in Ghana.
Tandoh emphasized that local capacity in the mining sector has grown substantially, dismissing the idea that capital constraints justify the dominance of foreign companies. He stressed that the government is not aiming to drive away all foreign mining firms but seeks accountability and preferential treatment for Ghanaians.
