The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a strong call to mining companies, emphasizing that lease extensions will be granted only to those that actively contribute to Ghana’s development.
Speaking at a meeting with the management of Goldfields Ghana Limited in Accra, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that mining benefits are directed toward local community development and strengthening local content initiatives.
“We want mining companies to understand and appreciate their responsibilities to host communities,” Hon. Buah stated.
He acknowledged Goldfields as a significant player in the country’s mining sector and encouraged the company to expand its local content efforts to create more direct benefits for Ghanaians.
Addressing the ongoing Goldfields-AngloGold joint venture, the Minister assured Goldfields that the government would expedite the necessary processes to establish Africa’s largest gold mine, further solidifying Ghana’s position as a mining hub.
Hon. Buah also commended Goldfields for its corporate social responsibility efforts, particularly in sustainable livelihood projects and infrastructure development.
On behalf of Goldfields Ghana, Acting Managing Director Mr. Elliott Twum reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting host communities and contributing to national development.
He highlighted the company’s initiatives in environmental sustainability, local content promotion, and business supply chain enhancement.
Mr. Michael Edem Akafia, Vice President of External Affairs at Goldfields, echoed this commitment, stressing that stronger collaboration between the company and the Ministry would lead to lasting economic and social benefits.
He cited key projects such as the construction of the Tarkwa-Damang roads, oil palm plantations, and agribusiness ventures as examples of Goldfields’ contributions to community development.
The meeting also served as an opportunity for Goldfields to congratulate Hon. Buah on his appointment as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and to reaffirm the mining sector’s commitment to working with the government to ensure sustainable development.
