Mining lease to be extended based on records of mining companies

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle in the Western region has hinted that henceforth mining leases would be extended based on the record of the mining companies.
“In the new dispensation, leases will be extended based on the records, the commitment made by the mining companies both technically and financially and in the interest of Ghanaians”.
Answering a question posed by this reporter in an interview with Journalist at Tarkwa after a tour of concessions of both Gold Fields Ghana Limited and Anglogold Ashanti, Iduapriem mine, Minister ArmahBuah indicated that issues to be looked would include how the mining companies had invested in the country.

His ministry would also consider whether these mining giants have been a good corporate citizens not only to host communities, but the country at large, in addition to how they have honoured their tax obligations and how they have committed to deals given them.
These issues, according to him, would be some of the considerations when determining a mining lease extension.

The Minister response to the question follows government decision to ratify one year lease for for the Aboso Gold Fields.
The new lease takes effect following the expiration of the previous agreement on April 18, 2025 and it includes a strict clause prohibiting any further extensions, transfers, mortgages or similar transactions beyond that date.
Earlier, Lands and Natural Resource Minister had commended Gold Fields Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project in the host communities.
He said he was impressed with the company safety and that the government had resolved to work with the company.

Tarkwa operations, he noted, was different from Damang and “we are very impressed with the potential of the mine.

“We are in a good position to have a good discussion and I believe we are going to make a good decision in the interest of Ghanaians”.
He, however, stressed government vision for large scale mining to actively get involved in developing and supporting small scale mining.
Minister indicated further that, he wanted to see large scale mining companies supporting small scale mining ones to succeed.

He also announced that government was reviewing both mining policy and the Minerals Act. The reforms, he explained, aimed to make Ghana mining laws and policies more responsive and forward looking.

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