Alhaji Collins Dauda, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, has called for urgent and coordinated action to ensure a seamless transition in the management of the Goldfields Damang mining operation as the current lease nears expiry.
Speaking during a committee visit to Damang mining site on preparations for the takeover, Hon. Dauda stressed the importance of parliamentary oversight to prevent operational disruptions that could affect production or compromise the welfare of workers.
“We must ensure that there are no dislocations in operations. Production must continue, and the welfare of workers must not be compromised,” he said, underscoring the committee’s commitment to diligent monitoring of the transition process.
Highlighting Parliament’s role, Hon. Dauda noted that the legislature had extended the relevant arrangement by one year to allow adequate time for a structured handover. With the current lease set to expire on the 18th, he stressed the critical need for continuity and a well-defined plan to prevent any operational or administrative gaps.
The committee later joined the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for an on-site inspection to evaluate preparedness and guide transitional arrangements. Following the visit, the transition team is expected to present a detailed plan to Parliament to allow for full scrutiny and informed recommendations.
Hon. Dauda emphasised that the overarching goal is to ensure that operations at Damang not only continue seamlessly but also improve following the change in management. He further underscored the need for both Majority and Minority members to contribute to oversight, ensuring that government business and national interest are served without partisan considerations.
“The objective is clear: secure Ghana’s resources, protect jobs, and maintain stability in the mining sector while ensuring that Parliament exercises its constitutional oversight effectively,” he said.
The committee chairman reiterated that parliamentary vigilance remains key to guaranteeing transparency, continuity, and long-term national benefit from Ghana’s mining operations.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
