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November 5, 2026
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Wassa chiefs push for state ownership of Tarkwa Gold Mine as Gold Fields’ leases near expiry
Money
Policy
Opportunity
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Key Points
- Chiefs in the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area have called on President John Dramani Mahama to bring the Tarkwa Gold Mine under state ownership when Gold Fields Ghana Limited’s leases expire in April 2027.
- They argue that decades of mining have brought insufficient benefits to host communities, citing poor roads, limited infrastructure investment, and delayed royalty payments.
- The Apinto Divisional Council has separately petitioned the government against renewing Gold Fields’ leases, advocating for the concession to go to a Ghanaian investor committed to community development.
- Queen Mother Nana Abena Konadwoa II highlighted significant infrastructure projects in the Damang area following its transfer to Ghanaian ownership as an example of desired investment around Tarkwa.
- The government currently holds a 10% stake in the mine, with Gold Fields holding 90% of this major gold-producing operation.
Why This Matters
This issue is highly significant for Ghana as it addresses critical questions of resource nationalism, equitable wealth distribution from natural resources, and the balance between foreign investment and local development. A decision on the Tarkwa Gold Mine's ownership could set a precedent for future mining lease renewals, impacting government policy on local content, community benefits, and the overall structure of Ghana's vital mining sector. It also directly influences the economic well-being and development prospects of host communities.
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Ghana’s population growth rate drops to 2.1%, population to double in 33 years – Gov’t Statistician
- Ghana's annual population growth rate has declined to 2.1 per cent.
- This slower rate means the country's population is now expected to double in approximately 33 years, an increase from previous estimates.
- Ghana's current estimated population stands at 33.7 million, with an annual addition of 500,000 to 700,000 people.
- Historically, higher growth rates (e.g., 2.7% or 2.5%) would have led to shorter doubling periods of about 26 or 28 years, respectively.
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