Activities of Responsible Cooperative Mining groups spark security concerns at Gold Fields Tarkwa

Goldfields Ghana Limited, based in Tarkwa, has expressed serious concerns over the escalating threat to its mining operations due to illegal cooperative mining activities in the Badukrom and Wangarakrom areas. The company warns that these unauthorized activities, often carried out by armed groups, pose a significant risk to community safety and operational stability.

During a visit by the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, to the Tarkwa Mines, the Head of Protection Services, Isaac Samani, detailed the operational challenges faced by Goldfields. Despite adhering to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, which distinguish their conduct from other incidents in the region, the company is struggling to maintain control.

Samani highlighted a recent incident where two communities were unlawfully encroached upon, with armed individuals claiming rights to the mining tenement without proper authorization. The company's disciplined approach to security is being tested by these organized encroachers, who have now adopted a more dangerous strategy by operating at night with armed support.

Samani expressed deep concern over the potential for violent escalation, emphasizing the company's reluctance to resort to gunfire due to the Voluntary Principles' self-defense guidelines. He urged decisive action from the Regional Minister and Municipal Chief Executive to address the situation. The Western Regional Minister clarified that the described activities are illegal and do not align with the government's structured policy for cooperative mining, which involves a regulated process overseen by the ministry.

He reiterated that Goldfields retains full rights over its concession and that any unauthorized claim is invalid. The Regional Minister assured the company that the Regional Security Council will support its efforts to maintain law and order within the operational area.