Former Chief Justice and fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Sophia Akuffo, has argued that Ghana possesses the technical and professional capacity to independently operate the Tarkwa mine without foreign mining operators.
This comes on the back of Gold Fields’ request for a 20-year extension of its Tarkwa mining lease, which is currently set to expire in 2027. As of May 2026, negotiations are ongoing between the company and the Government of Ghana on whether to renew the lease or allow the mine’s operations to wind down.
But according to Sophia Akuffo, despite more than three decades of mining activity at Tarkwa, host communities have not experienced commensurate development benefits, even as the mining company continues to record substantial profits.
She also questioned Ghana’s revenue returns from large-scale mining, suggesting that the state earns comparatively little from operations that generate significant value for multinational companies.
She further argued that Ghana now has a strong pool of mining professionals capable of managing the sector effectively without reliance on foreign concessionaires.
“Ghana, today, possesses a highly experienced pool of mining professionals with technical expertise and operational competence to be able to operate the Tarkwa mine successfully should the government deny the Goldfields lease extension. They can manage, not only the Tarkwa mines but also every mine in this country,” she said.
She pointed to the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) as a key institution that has produced internationally certified engineers and mining experts over several decades, many of whom are active both locally and globally.
“Over the past six decades, UMaT has trained internationally certified engineers and other skilled personnel who continue to distinguish themselves globally,” she added.
She also cited the increasing role of Ghanaian firms in actual mining operations, arguing that local companies are already deeply involved in extraction activities on behalf of foreign mining concessionaires.
“Many large mining companies are already being managed by local firms such as Engineers and Planners, HeathGold field and others on behalf of the foreign mining concessioners,” she said.
Sophia Akuffo maintained that many of the operational aspects of mining at Tarkwa are already being executed by Ghanaian professionals, reinforcing her position that local capacity is sufficient to manage the mine independently.
IEA kicks against renewal of Gold Fields Tarkwa mining lease
