Government Moves to Safeguard Jobs as Damang Mine Lease Nears Expiry
The Government of Ghana has announced a series of measures to protect jobs and ensure uninterrupted operations at the Damang Mine as the current mining lease approaches its expiration next month.
In a press release dated March 24, 2026, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources confirmed that the Damang mining lease held by Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited, will expire on April 18, 2026, following a one-year extension granted last year.
The statement, signed by Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, described the Damang Mine as a key national asset that continues to play an important role in Ghana’s gold production, export earnings, and employment.
According to the ministry, steps have already been initiated to ensure continuity after the lease expires. These include measures to safeguard jobs, maintain service contracts and reassure stakeholders in the mining value chain.
The government also confirmed that the next investor and operator of the mine will be selected through a competitive and transparent bidding process, aimed at securing a credible operator while maintaining the mine’s contribution to national development.
The ministry further emphasised that the transition is part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s mining sector while advancing long-term Ghanaian-centred ownership and investment in the industry.
The Damang Mine has been at the centre of a long-running policy and regulatory debate since 2025, when the government rejected an application by Gold Fields Limited to renew the mine’s 30-year lease.
Following negotiations, the government later granted the company a 12-month transitional extension, allowing operations to continue while broader plans for the future of the mine were explored.
The Damang Mine remains one of the country’s strategic gold-producing assets, contributing to export revenue, employment and the wider mining supply chain. The government has therefore stressed that safeguarding jobs and maintaining operations during the transition period remains a top priority.
The ministry also reiterated its commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship throughout the transition process, while positioning the mine to attract long-term investment and sustain Ghana’s reputation as a leading destination for responsible mining investment.
