Wassa Fiase chiefs call for Ghanaian ownership of Tarkwa Gold Mine as Gold Fields leases near expiry
Chiefs in the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area urged President Mahama to award the Tarkwa Gold Mine concession to a Ghanaian investor when Gold Fields leases expire in April 2027.
In Brief
- •Chiefs in the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area urged President Mahama to award the Tarkwa Gold Mine concession to a Ghanaian investor when Gold Fields leases expire in April 2027.
- •The call follows concerns that mining benefits have been limited, citing poor roads, inadequate infrastructure and delayed royalty payments.
- •Gold Fields Ghana Limited holds five leases covering 20,825 hectares, with a processing plant capacity of 13.5 million tonnes per year.
- •The mine has been operated by Gold Fields since 1993, with a 90 % stake after acquiring IAMGold’s 18.9 % in 2011; the Ghana government holds 10 %.
- •The Apinto Divisional Council and other chiefs have petitioned the government against renewing Gold Fields leases.
Why It Matters
The demand for Ghanaian ownership reflects growing pressure from local communities that feel mining profits have not translated into tangible benefits such as roads, hospitals and other infrastructure. A shift to a Ghanaian operator could increase local investment and ensure that royalty payments are timely and transparent, potentially improving the socio‑economic conditions in the Wassa Fiase area. For the national economy, the outcome will influence how mining assets are managed and how revenue is shared between the state and private investors.
Key Details
- Lease expiry
- April 2027
- Lease area
- 20,825 hectares
- Processing capacity
- 13.5 million tonnes per year
- Gold Fields stake
- 90 %
Original Reporting & Sources
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