He made this known during a visit to the firm and underscored the importance of the workers to the company’s survival.

The government has decided to take over the mine due to lease renewal issues, sparking concerns about job security.

“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 stated.

Without mincing words, Mr. Buah emphasised, “Contractors and subcontractors who work here must be assured that this transition will not affect their commitments, agreements, and contracts that they have here.”

“Ultimately, it is to strengthen them, not to weaken anybody. The intention is to empower the communities here and to make sure that there is continuity in operations,” he told Channel One TV.

The failure to renew Gold Fields Damang Mine’s operating licence after its expiry today, April 18, 2025, has sparked potential worker protests, with over 1,000 jobs now at risk.

The mine’s workforce faces an uncertain future as operations near shutdown, prompting plans for demonstrations.

“The company continues to engage with the government to secure the best outcome for all stakeholders,” a Gold Fields statement said.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union (GMWU) has endorsed any protests to express the concerns of workers, warning of severe economic consequences.

“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,” said GMWU General Secretary, Abdul-Moomin Gbana.

The workers are calling for urgent government intervention, arguing that any layoffs would devastate families and local economies.

“Before making such a major decision, the government must consider the consequences. Over 1,000 workers could be affected — they must be cautious,” Gbana stressed.

In a related development, Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, accused Gold Fields of failing to follow proper renewal procedures.

“The minister made it clear — we cannot continue business as usual. If they had a better proposal, they should have engaged the Minerals Commission directly instead of writing letters,” Tandoh said.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, he defended the government’s decision to assume operational control of the mine after rejecting Gold Fields’ application to renew its mining lease.

The decision, announced by the Lands Ministry on Wednesday, has stirred debate in both the business and mining sectors.

Andrews Tandoh didn’t hold back.

“Last year, Tarkwa and Damang mines made over $600 million in profit. How much of that stayed in the country? Your guess is as good as mine,” he said.

He described Gold Fields’ behaviour as exploitative, stressing that instead of reinvesting in Ghana, the company chose to acquire assets in other countries.

“Instead of using the profit to develop the Damang mine, they were rather busy buying mines elsewhere, like Osisko in Canada. They bought another mine in Chile,” he said.

“They can’t tell me it’s not profit from Ghana. It’s difficult to move money out of Australia. But from Ghana, they had free will to move money around… We can’t continue on that path.”

The Minerals Commission boss also dismissed the idea that capital constraints justify the dominance of foreign companies in Ghana’s mining sector, adding that local capacity has grown substantially.

“Unlike those days when people couldn’t access funding, it’s a thing of the past,” he insisted.

“BCM had very good Caterpillar financing. Engineers & Planners signed a $250 million deal with Caterpillar. Rockshore is purchasing equipment worth hundreds of millions to work in Ghana.”

Andrews Tandoh stressed that the government is not on a mission to drive away foreign mining firms.

“We are not saying we’re going to chase all mining companies away. No. We are going to support them to do their work,” he said.

But he added that preferential treatment must come with accountability.

“After giving the 30-year lease to Gold Fields, the government even bettered the situation for them with a development agreement. That agreement waived several tax liabilities, especially on fuel,” he said.

“While Ghanaians were crying over fuel prices, these mines were enjoying tariff waivers.”

He also accused the company of focusing on stockpile treatment in the last two years rather than actual mining.

“They’ve been taking free cash from Ghana without actually working. And this cannot continue. Ghanaians deserve better,” he declared.

“But almost none of those promises were fulfilled,” said Alex K. Aidoo.

“They tiled less than one kilometer of road, renovated an existing clinic instead of building a hospital, and the water supply project only began in February 2025—weeks before the lease expired. That was a smokescreen.”

The youth argue that Goldfields should be held accountable for violating the spirit and letter of that agreement.

They are calling for a full audit into the company’s community investments over the last three decades.

“The lease might be over, but the consequences of neglect remain,” Aidoo said. “There must be transparency and accountability.”

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But as news of the government’s decision not to renew the company’s mining lease spreads, the mood in the community is not one of sorrow, but of quiet relief.

“You cannot be in a town for three decades and leave it looking abandoned,” said Emmanuel Afful, Convener of the Concerned Youth of the Damang Catchment Area.

“There’s no hospital, no functional water systems in some communities, and the same dusty, pothole-ridden roads.”

According to the youth, their stand is not against mining itself but against what they describe as the lack of meaningful development under Goldfields’ watch.

“We are not anti-mining, we are pro-development—and Goldfields failed to deliver,” Afful stressed. “Compare Damang to Kenyasi or Akyem, where other mining companies have built hospitals and improved infrastructure. Three decades should have transformed Damang, but instead, we were left with neglect.”

The youth have commended the government for what they see as a long-overdue response to community concerns and are calling on authorities to remain firm against any attempts to overturn the decision.

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Despite promises of local job creation and skills development, most of the top roles at Goldfields were occupied by non-locals.

Locals were relegated to casual labor — cleaning, catering, and security — mostly through subcontractors. Even industrial attachments and national service placements often excluded Damang youth.

“This wasn’t a partnership; it was extraction with exclusion,” said Eric Garibor. “Now that they are gone, let us chart a new course.”

The youth are advocating for the next concession to be awarded to a competent Ghanaian company — one that values community, promotes Ghanaian jobs, and reinvests in local infrastructure.

“A Ghanaian success story is possible. We’ve seen it at Awaso. Let’s do the same in Damang,” Garibor said.

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He warned of its potential impact on over 1,000 workers and contractors.

The current 30-year lease, granted on April 18, 1995, is set to expire on April 18, 2025.

The government’s move not to renew the lease is part of efforts to reshape the country’s mining landscape for greater national benefit, but it has also sparked fears of job losses and uncertainty among workers.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Gbana described the situation as worrying, especially given the lack of clear communication from the government.

“We cannot just sit down and accept this. If we reach April 18 and nothing has been put in place for the affected workers, we will be left with no choice but to march to the Minerals Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources — and even to the Jubilee House if necessary,” he said.

Mr. Gbana stressed that Gold Fields has consistently honoured its financial obligations and paid workers’ salaries since operations began, making the government’s decision even more confusing.

“Since we started working with Gold Fields, they have not defaulted on salaries or payments. If care is not taken, after April 18, workers might not get anything,” he added.

He also questioned the government’s plans for the large number of workers and contractors who will be affected by the lease expiration.

“Gold Fields has a lot of workers and contractors — in total, we are talking about close to 1,000 people. What will happen to them? What plan does the government have for these people?” he quizzed.

Mr. Gbana urged the government and the Minerals Commission to be transparent and follow due process when handling matters concerning the mining industry.

“We know the Minerals and Mining Act has clear guidelines. If Gold Fields must go through due process, government should make that clear. But if it’s just about ending the lease to hand it over to others, then it’s not right,” he said.

The union leader also appealed for calm but warned that workers will not hesitate to take action if their concerns are not addressed.

“We don’t want uncertainties. Government must do the right thing and be clear with the workers. We will stand together and I will personally lead them to demand what is fair if necessary,” Mr. Bawa concluded.

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