The government is set to hold a high-level meeting with senior executives of Gold Fields today, April 22, 2025, to discuss the future of the Damang Mine in the Western Region, as part of plans for a smooth handover of the mining site to state control.

According to information obtained by JoyBusiness, the meeting will feature representatives from Gold Fields' headquarters in South Africa and is expected to explore options for extending the company’s role at the mine before its full exit.

One of the major issues to be addressed is a potential temporary extension of Gold Fields' operational management, which the government is said to be considering in order to prevent disruptions in operations during the transition period.

Insiders say Gold Fields has formally requested additional time to conclude its work at the Damang site. The request may be approved, provided certain conditions are met.

In the interim, government officials have reportedly directed the company to keep its equipment operational at the site. Employees have also been instructed to remain on duty while negotiations continue.

Background

This meeting follows a recent announcement by Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah that the government intends to assume ownership of the Damang Mine. The move came after the Minerals Commission rejected an application from Gold Fields to extend its mining license.

However, today’s engagement could alter the timeline, with discussions pointing to a possible one-year extension for Gold Fields to manage the mine before a full state takeover.

The outcome of this meeting is being closely watched by stakeholders, as it could have wide-reaching consequences for Ghana’s mining sector and the Western Region’s local economy.