Workers at Gold Fields’ Damang Mine are set to stage a protest at government offices, demanding clarity and assurance about their future after the government refused to renew the mine’s lease, which expires on April 18.

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The lease, originally granted in April 1995, allowed the company to operate in Ghana for nearly 30 years. However, the recent decision not to extend it has left over 1,000 workers uncertain about their jobs.

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The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union wants the government to clearly communicate how it plans to support the affected workers and address the wider economic impact of the mine’s closure.

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General Secretary of the Union, Abdul-Moomin Gbana, told the media that ending the lease without proper measures could lead to serious economic challenges for workers and their families. He urged the government to consider the consequences and act in the best interest of those affected.

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“As it stands now it is obvious that if the government doesn’t change its position we will immediately lose our incomes and livelihoods but what that also means is that we may have to March up to the government and demand our salaries and livelihoods from the government,” he asserted.

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Mr Abdul-Moomin Gbana, has urged the government to carefully weigh the consequences of its decision not to renew the Damang Mine lease, warning that over a thousand workers could be affected.

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“Before you take a major decision of this nature you must be quite considerate and mindful of the implications of your decision so if the government appreciates workers in excess of a thousand are likely to go through then the government will be careful on how it exercises its discretion of whether to extend or not to extend.”

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The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has defended the government's decision to reject Damang’s extension. According to him, Gold Fields Limited failed to comply with explicit instructions to engage the Commission regarding the extension of its Damang Mining Lease.

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Government’s decision to reject the extension of Damang’s lease so far has been met with mixed reactions.While it has been accepted by some institutions such as Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) who welcomed the decision, noting that the country must prioritize value for money in lease agreements.

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Gold Fields, on the other hand, has assured its workers, business partners, and the Damang host community that it is taking steps to mitigate any negative effects.

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A management committee has been set up to assess the situation, explore alternative solutions, and examine how the government’s decision might impact employees and the future of the mine.

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