The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has revealed that Gold Fields Limited failed to comply with explicit instructions to engage the Commission regarding the extension of its Damang Mining Lease, which is set to expire on April 18, 2025.
This disclosure follows the government’s decision to reject the mining giant’s application for a lease extension and its directive for the company to cease operations and vacate the site upon expiration of the current lease.
The development has cast uncertainty over the future of one of Ghana’s most established gold mining operations.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Mr. Tandoh stated that Gold Fields was instructed to present improved terms that would ensure better value for Ghanaians but instead bypassed the Minerals Commission and communicated directly with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
“When we met the minister, he said that we cannot continue this as business as usual, we need to get value for money. So, if you have any better proposition for Ghanaians, go and sit with the Minerals Commission, but that has not happened. Instead they were writing letters to the minister here and there. It was a clear instruction,” Tandoh said.
“We asked them to go and see the Minerals Commission if they had a better proposition for Ghana but they have not done that. Instead, they were writing letters and, I’m sure it will come up and you will see the tone they used,” he added.
In response, Gold Fields has indicated that it is still engaging with government authorities to reach a solution that serves all parties.
“The Company continues to seek ongoing engagement with the Government to secure the best outcome for all stakeholders,” it said in a statement.
