The youth of the Damang Mine catchment area in the Western Region have strongly backed the government’s decision not to renew the mining lease of Goldfields Ghana Ltd., which expires on April 18, 2025.
In a detailed and compelling statement, the group issued a scathing critique of the multinational mining giant, alleging over two decades of neglect, unfulfilled promises, and exclusionary practices.
The group, led by main convener Emmanuel Afful, minced no words in stating that Goldfields Ghana Ltd. has failed the people of Damang and its surrounding communities.
“After 25 years of mining activities in our area, the evidence overwhelmingly shows that the company’s operations have brought limited benefits to the local communities.
“The current state of affairs raises critical questions about Goldfields’ commitment to community development, operational sustainability, and responsible corporate citizenship”.
Youth of the Damang Site Catchment Area
One of the strongest grievances voiced by the group was the persistent marginalisation of locals in employment.
While Goldfields had initially promised significant employment opportunities for youth within the Damang enclave, the reality, according to the group, has been very different.
“The majority of well-paying jobs continue to go to nonresidents, while locals are left with casual, low-paying roles such as security, catering, and cleaning, mainly through subcontractors.
“In addition, industrial attachments, graduate training programs, and national service placements have consistently excluded local youth, with such opportunities reportedly going to relatives and associates of company executives.”
Youth of the Damang Site Catchment Area
This exclusion, the group argued, represents a clear betrayal of trust and raises serious concerns about corporate fairness and social equity.
Neglected Infrastructure and Healthcare Commitments
The youth further criticised Goldfields for its failure to deliver on vital social infrastructure. Most notable is the absence of a single hospital built by the company within the mining communities, despite over two decades of mineral extraction.
“In contrast, mining companies like Newmont Ghana have built hospitals in Kenyasi and Akyem, demonstrating a far greater commitment to community welfare”.
Youth of the Damang Site Catchment Area
The group also accused Goldfields of breaching commitments made under a 2015 Stability Agreement signed with the Government of Ghana.
Among the promises in the agreement were the construction of town roads in Huni Valley, Damang, Aboso, and Bompieso, improved water supply for all catchment communities, and the building of a hospital.
As of now, the group decried that only one town road has been partially completed, and water improvement projects only began in February 2025, barely two months before lease expiration.
Weakening Community Engagement and Alleged Biases
Goldfields was further accused of neglecting proper community engagement mechanisms.
The group claimed that communication with the local population has been poor, leaving many residents unaware of the company’s obligations or unable to raise concerns effectively.
Redundancy exercises, they said, have often targeted indigenous workers, with no clear safeguards to protect local employment.
Even more disturbing were allegations of discriminatory and partisan practices within Goldfields’ Security and Local Affairs departments.
“Youth operating on unused land were forcibly removed by company task forces under questionable circumstances”.
Youth of the Damang Site Catchment Area
Perhaps most alarming is the claim that Goldfields has been interfering in traditional chieftaincy affairs by allegedly recognising and empowering certain factions to advance its interests—an act that the group says has escalated tensions and disrupted the local governance fabric.
Declining Operations and Lack of Transparency
The press statement also highlighted what the youth described as a visible decline in operations at the Damang Mine, with no active mining taking place in the last two years.
“Goldfields is currently processing only stockpiles. There is no exploration underway, no future exploration plans, and contractors are either demobilizing or significantly reducing activity. Their own annual reports hint at site closure. So, on what basis should their lease be renewed?”
Youth of the Damang Site Catchment Area
This decline, according to the group, eliminates any justification for extending the company’s stay. Rather than prolonging an operation in retreat, the group believes the government should seize this opportunity to reimagine a more inclusive and impactful mining partnership.
Praise for Government’s Lease Non-Renewal Stance
The group commended the Government of Ghana for what they described as a “bold and principled” decision not to renew Goldfields Ghana Ltd.’s lease at Damang.
The government’s position, they say, is consistent with the lived experiences and frustrations of the people.
“We are aware that some labor unions and other stakeholders are pressuring the government to reverse its decision. But we urge the government to stand firm. This is a chance to correct historical injustices and move toward a mining framework that puts people before profits.”
Youth of the Damang Site Catchment Area
As part of their recommendations, the youth proposed that the government consider handing over the Damang concession to a competent Ghanaian-owned company committed to community welfare and sustainability.
They cited the transformation of the Awaso Bauxite concession as a successful precedent, asserting that after Bosai Minerals Group, a Chinese-owned entity, was replaced by a Ghanaian company (OPCL/IOP), employment more than doubled, from 483 in 2022 to 1,158 by February 2025.
According to the group, the Ghanaian company also secured over 3,000 acres for a planned bauxite refinery.
“This proves that local companies, when given a fair opportunity and properly supervised, can perform as well as foreign firms—if not better,” the group emphasized.
The youth further urged the government to allocate a portion of the undeveloped lands within the concession area to communities for cooperative or community mining.
Such initiatives, they believe, will foster inclusive development and help provide sustainable livelihoods.
In concluding their press conference, the Concerned Youth of the Damang Catchment Area laid out specific recommendations for the government to address.
According to them, any future decisions regarding lease extensions must be grounded in an honest assessment of past performance.
They also called for enforcing social commitments rigorously, stressing that infrastructure, healthcare, and local employment should be non-negotiable pillars of any new mining arrangement.
On the promotion of local content, the group advocated for the strict compliance of the Local Content Act to empower Ghanaian contractors and job seekers.
Lastly, the group opined that any future concessions should be awarded to companies with a strong record of corporate responsibility and a people-first development vision.
“We are not anti-mining. We are simply calling for a partnership that is fair, transparent, and truly beneficial to the people whose lands continue to yield so much wealth.”
Youth of the Damang Site Catchment Area
The call from the Damang youth marks a powerful moment in Ghana’s ongoing discourse on resource management, corporate responsibility, and community empowerment.
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