The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has moved to reassure workers at the Damang Goldfields Mine in the Western Region that their jobs and benefits will be protected, as government pushes ahead with a transition process amid growing political scrutiny.
The Minister gave the assurance during a working visit to the mining site, where he engaged workers and members of the transition team before touring sections of the mining pits to assess ongoing operations.
His visit comes at a critical time, with concerns from labour groups and opposition voices over the future of the mine and the transparency of the contractor transition process.
Addressing workers, Hon. Buah emphasised that the transition is not only intended to preserve existing employment conditions but to improve them, stressing that government remains firmly committed to protecting livelihoods while restructuring operations.
“We want to ensure that your jobs are secured. I want to assure you that the President Mahama is with you, and we will do everything possible to protect your jobs,” he stated, adding that the presence of members of the Parliamentary Committee underscored the seriousness government attaches to the issue.
The Minister disclosed that a transition team has been constituted to oversee the handover of operations to a Ghanaian-owned company with the requisite technical and financial capacity, with a deadline set for April 18.
He further assured that mining activities would continue uninterrupted even if a new operator is not immediately in place, signalling government’s determination to avoid any operational vacuum.
Hon. Buah also sought to address concerns over the integrity of the process, highlighting measures put in place to ensure transparency in the ongoing tender. He indicated that full details, including the number of bidders, will be made public upon completion of the process, and reiterated government’s openness to competitive bidding.
The Minister acknowledged criticism from sections of the public and the opposition in Parliament, particularly regarding reports that the contract could be awarded to a specific company. However, he maintained that due process is being followed and that government remains committed to fairness.
“This process will be transparent, and it will be in the best interest of the country,” he stressed.
Positioning the transition within a broader political and economic agenda, Hon. Buah said the move aligns with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama to deepen Ghanaian participation in the mining sector in South a policy direction he described as critical to strengthening national control over natural resources.
He added that government’s ultimate goal is to empower competent Ghanaian companies to take a leading role in the sector while safeguarding jobs, maintaining production levels, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Damang transition is expected to remain a key political issue in the coming weeks, as stakeholders closely monitor government’s handling of the process and its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Story by: Osman Issah Abadoo
