Hundreds of young people, traditional opinion leaders and residents from communities across the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality have called on the government to renew Gold Fields’ mining lease before it expires in April 2027.
The demonstrators held a peaceful procession through the main streets of Tarkwa, displaying placards that praised the company’s investment in local development and urged the authorities to allow its operations to continue.
The marchers said the end of Gold Fields’ presence would have serious consequences for employment, local businesses and community welfare. They appealed directly to the government to consider the company’s contribution before making a decision on the future of the lease.
Although several mining companies operate in the municipality, residents said Gold Fields had established itself as a leading example of corporate social responsibility. They pointed to projects in healthcare, education, skills development, infrastructure and economic empowerment as evidence of the company’s long-term involvement in the area.
John Nsoh, Assembly Member for New Atuabo, said the mining company had become central to the development of Tarkwa.
“Gold Fields is the light of Tarkwa, and if Gold Fields goes off now, Tarkwa will go off as well,” said John Nsoh, Assembly Member for New Atuabo, during the rally. “Look at the T&A Park, the Bogoso Junction to Damang road, the road from Budo City to Bogoso Junction, and many others. All of these were done by Gold Fields. If the government does not renew their lease, it will deeply affect our community.”
The rally also reflected concerns about who might take over the mine if the lease is not extended for the current operator. Some participants questioned whether alternative operators would maintain the same standards in their treatment of workers and their support for host communities.
John Davies, a resident who took part in the demonstration, said the comparison between Gold Fields and the other mining companies in Tarkwa favoured the incumbent.
“We are here demonstrating because Gold Fields is not being fairly treated,” Davies noted. “We have three mining companies here in Tarkwa, and weighing all three, Gold Fields stands tall. I also have concerns about handing the mine over to local operators, as some have a history of treating workers unfairly compared to Gold Fields. I plead with the government to give them the lease to continue their work.”
Participants said Gold Fields’ contribution extended beyond physical infrastructure. They argued that the company’s continued operation was closely linked to the availability of jobs, the growth of businesses serving the mining sector and the wider wellbeing of residents throughout the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.
The demonstration ended with a collective appeal to state authorities to renew the lease. Residents maintained that keeping Gold Fields in the area would help preserve employment and sustain the development initiatives they associate with the company.
The protest was reported by Eben Agyekum-Boateng, 3Business.
