General News
Govt takes over Gold Fields Damang Mines
The government has assumed operational control of the Damang Mine, a concession held by Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited.
The move follows the rejection of the application by Gold Fields Limited to have its 30-year mining lease at the facility extended for another 30 years.
Abosso Gold Fields Limited’s 30-year lease is set to expire tomorrow, April 18, 2025.
The government’s action, according to a statement by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, represented a crucial step in Ghana’s economic reset, ensuring that gold reserves directly benefited citizens and contributed to long-term prosperity, easing uncertainty over the future of over 1,300 workers of the company.
The statement available to the Daily Graphic indicated that the government’s decision was based on solid, empirically supported grounds.
“This decision aligns with the government’s policy shift away from the neo-colonial practice of automatic licence renewals for mining in Ghana, focusing instead on a comprehensive reassessment of mining licences to maximise national benefit,” the statement said.
The statement gave an assurance that in spite of the government’s control of the concession, it remained committed to maintaining uninterrupted operations, protecting jobs, and honouring existing valid service contracts while ensuring compliance with legal and fiscal obligations to secure Ghana’s rightful benefits from this vital resource.
Continuity
The government, the statement said, had outlined plans to ensure that all essential services — from security to health care and fuel supply to camp management — continued without disruption.
It also stated that valid contracts would be honoured, wages paid, and operations sustained as efforts were made to regularise arrangements under state stewardship.
The statement further clarified that priority would be given to local workforce retention and community-based enterprises in line with Ghana’s Local Content Policy.
This transition, it said, would focus on local hiring and procurement, ensuring that opportunities in transport, labour and auxiliary services primarily benefited businesses within the Damang catchment area.
A dedicated transition team would also engage directly with all workers, contractors, and community leaders in the coming days to address concerns, provide updates and collaborate on the way forward, it emphasised.
“The Government of Ghana is committed to enforcing strict protocols to ensure safety, orderly operations, and protection of all assets. Unauthorised access or disruptions will not be tolerated.
Together, we will uphold the integrity of this transition,” the statement added.
Reasons
The statement cited several reasons for not renewing the licence, indicating that Abosso Goldfields Limited failed to declare verifiable mineral reserves in its renewal application.
According to Regulation 189 of the Minerals and Mining Act (Licensing) Regulation, 2012 (L.I. 2176), an application to extend a mining lease must include a comprehensive technical report and a programme of mining operations.
Any such report, the statement said, should detail verifiable mineral reserves, including the quantity of gold discovered and projected extraction to justify the lease extension.
“Without declared reserves, the Minerals Commission cannot recommend the extension of the lease.
It is important to note that the company’s 2024 Annual Reports, published in March 2025 — shortly after the Notice of Rejection was served — have validated the government’s position regarding the absence of reserves necessary to support the lease extension,” the statement said.
Additionally, it said the application submitted by Gold Fields Limited lacked a detailed technical programme outlining past activities over the past 30 years or future plans for the mine.
The statement emphasised that “without this critical information, the government cannot adequately assess the mine’s historical performance or future direction — a fundamental requirement for responsible and informed decision-making”.
Furthermore, the statement pointed out that Gold Fields Limited had not allocated any budget for exploration at the Damang Mine over the past two years, insisting that this lack of investment raised serious concerns about the company’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and the long-term viability of the mine.
Background
Gold Fields Limited is the seventh biggest producer of gold in the world, and has two operational mines in Ghana, namely the Tarkwa Mine, which is operated by Gold Fields Ghana, and the Damang Mine, which is run by Abosso Goldfields Limited.
In 2011, Gold Fields bought out IAMGold’s remaining interest in Damang, and the company now owns a 90 per cent stake, with the Government of Ghana holding the remaining 10 per cent.
According to the 2024 annual report of Gold Fields, no mineral reserves were declared at Damang, which meant there were no defined gold reserves to be mined there.
Actual mining at the mine is said to have stopped in 2023 as the company resorted to processing stockpiles.
In fact, it is stated in the Mineral Resources and Reserves Supplement to the Integrated Annual Report of 2023 that no exploration was proposed for the Damang Mine in 2024.
No reserves
The lack of reserves and the lack of funds for exploration spending for the Damang Mine appeared to suggest that the company was not interested in expanding mine life for the mine at Damang.
Additionally, the company, this year, intended to continue the processing of stockpiles in line with the life of the mine for at least one year.
The mine has since been considered as one that has not met the requirements and justification for an extension of lease.
Source: Graphic online
General News
President Mahama to Embark on Working Visit to South Korea
John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, will embark on a working visit to the South Korea from March 10 to March 14, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and educational cooperation between the two nations.
According to the Office of the President, Mahama will depart from Accra on Sunday for Seoul. During the visit, he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and also meet the Speaker of the National Assembly, Woo Won-shik.
As part of his itinerary, President Mahama will attend a ship-naming ceremony at the Hyundai Shipyard in Ulsan. He will also deliver a speech at a conferment ceremony at Yonsei University.
The visit will further include engagements with members of the Ghanaian community living and working in South Korea, as well as a dinner meeting with leading chief executives and business leaders to explore investment opportunities.
President Mahama will be accompanied by a government delegation led by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who noted that the trip is expected to deepen strategic cooperation and strengthen the partnership between Ghana and South Korea.
General News
“Corruption is a Cancer That Erodes Our Nation” — Mahama Urges Stronger Anti-Corruption Fight
President John Dramani Mahama has described corruption as a serious threat to Ghana’s national development, warning that corrupt practices undermine education, healthcare, and infrastructure delivery across the country.
Speaking during 69th Independence Anniversary, President Mahama said corruption weakens governance systems and denies citizens access to essential public services.
“Corruption is a cancer that erodes the very foundation of our nation,” he stated. “Every cedi that is stolen from the public purse represents a classroom that is robbed of textbooks, a hospital that will go without medicines, and a road that will be left uncompleted.”
The President emphasized that fighting corruption remains a key priority of his administration, adding that government is strengthening anti-corruption institutions to improve transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
“Under my leadership, we are not just fighting corruption with words alone. We are strengthening institutions, protecting anti-corruption agencies from political interference, and ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or political affiliation, is above the law,” he said.
President Mahama also called for a national culture of integrity, urging citizens to support the fight against corruption through ethical conduct in both public and private life.
“Government cannot win this battle alone. We must build a national culture of integrity where honesty is valued and public service is regarded as a sacred duty,” he added.
He further urged public servants and political leaders to demonstrate accountability and transparency in the management of national resources.
“Leadership must be accountable. Independence granted us freedom, but freedom demands responsibility,” he said.
President Mahama stressed that Ghana’s development depends on collective responsibility, urging citizens to place national interest above personal or partisan interests.
“Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe, and above personal interests.
Ghana is bigger than any one of us,” he said.
The President’s remarks come as part of broader government efforts to strengthen governance reforms, improve economic management, and restore public confidence in state institutions.
General News
Mahama Urges Youth to Prepare for Future in 69th Independence Day Address
President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaian youth to prepare themselves for future opportunities through education, discipline, and skills development as the country continues its journey toward economic transformation and national prosperity.
Addressing the nation during Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebration held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope,” President Mahama said the youth represent the future of Ghana’s development and must be equipped with modern skills to compete in the global economy.
“To the young people of this country, I see you, I hear you, and I believe in your potential,” President Mahama said. “You belong to a generation that is armed with tools and opportunities that earlier generations could hardly have imagined.”
He noted that technology presents significant opportunities for young people to build careers and businesses, stressing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship.
“In your hands, a smartphone transforms into a classroom. In your hands, it becomes a business platform, a creative studio, and a gateway to the global economy,” he said.
However, President Mahama also urged young people to combine opportunity with discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence in order to achieve success.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” he stated. “Success will also depend on discipline, resilience, and excellence in everything you do.”
The President outlined government initiatives aimed at supporting youth development, including investments in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes, and innovation hubs across the country.
“We are investing in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes, and innovation hubs from Accra to Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Ho, and Koforidua,” he said.
He also announced reforms in education and training programmes designed to bridge the gap between school and employment.
“We are reforming education to meet the needs of the modern economy and expanding internship and apprenticeship programmes to prepare young people for the world of work,” he added.
President Mahama further encouraged young Ghanaians to uphold national values of patriotism and integrity.
“Ghana’s progress will depend on every citizen doing their part. Wherever you are, whatever you do, do it with excellence. Do it for Ghana, do it for Africa, and do it for the generations yet unborn,” he said.
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