Chamber Backs Gold Fields Lease Renewal

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has endorsed the renewal of Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s mining lease for its Tarkwa Mine in the Western Region, citing the company's substantial compliance with lease conditions. CEO of the Chamber, Kenneth Ashigbey, stated that an objective review of Gold Fields' adherence to the terms of the lease revealed that the company had fully met its obligations.

Ashigbey made these remarks during the 2026 Zone Three Inter-Mine First Aid and Safety Competition organized by Gold Fields Ghana Limited. The Chamber believes that when a responsible mining company has met the conditions of its lease and is prepared to continue investing in Ghana, renewal and constructive engagement should be favored over uncertainty.

Ashigbey urged the chiefs and leaders of Gold Fields' host communities to engage more closely with the company and to respect the partnership that has been developed over many years. He emphasized the need for a common ground that safeguards the interests of the Tarkwa people while maintaining the investment, employment, and economic ecosystem established in the region.

Ashigbey acknowledged that while some chiefs supported lease renewal, others opposed it when the current lease expires. He respected the right of traditional authorities and citizens to voice their opinions on the future of the community's resources but urged stakeholders to consider the broader economic implications. Mining companies invest significant amounts of money based on the expectation of long-term operation, and investors require confidence in Ghana's legal and regulatory environment.

Ashigbey stressed that security of tenure does not grant mining companies an unconditional right to resources but requires compliance with Ghana's laws, fulfillment of lease conditions, meeting environmental and social obligations, protection of workers, and respect for host communities.