Hundreds of young people and residents in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of Ghana’s Western Region have staged a peaceful demonstration to demand the renewal of Gold Fields Ghana’s mining leases.
The protesters, dressed predominantly in white, were joined by traditional leaders and residents from several mining communities, including Teberebe, Pepesa, Huniso, Abekoase and Samahu.
The demonstrators expressed strong support for the continued operations of Gold Fields Ghana, citing the mining company’s contribution to local economic development, employment and social infrastructure.
Tarkwa Residents Highlight Gold Fields’ Development Projects
The youth leadership, led by Richard Nsoh, Assembly Member for the Tarkwa New Atuabo Electoral Area, said Gold Fields Ghana has made significant contributions to communities across the Wassa mining area.
According to the protesters, the company’s investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and job creation have benefited thousands of residents.
They highlighted Gold Fields’ scholarship programmes, technical apprenticeship opportunities and career development initiatives, which they said have helped produce professionals including doctors, nurses, engineers and university lecturers from the local communities.
The demonstrators also mentioned major infrastructure projects such as the Tarkwa Community Stadium and road networks connecting Tarkwa with Damang and Huni Valley.
They further cited the Gold Fields Foundation’s contribution to medical education and other community development programmes.
Communities Call for Gold Fields Lease Renewal
Community leaders and women’s groups warned that any disruption to Gold Fields’ mining operations could negatively affect development projects and employment opportunities for young people in the Tarkwa area.
They are therefore calling on the government and relevant local authorities to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue involving traditional leaders and other stakeholders.
The residents have petitioned the government to renew Gold Fields’ five Tarkwa Mine leases, which are scheduled to expire in April 2027.
The petitioners want the renewal process completed well ahead of the expiration date to provide certainty for the mining company, workers, host communities and other stakeholders.
One of the protest leaders told the media that Gold Fields has provided significant support to the people of Tarkwa through projects such as the community stadium and scholarships.
Protesters Raise Concerns Over Future of Mining Operations
The protesters also expressed concern about any potential change in ownership or management of the Tarkwa mining operation.
During the demonstration, some protesters threatened to resort to illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, if their demands were not addressed.
The demonstration leader also pointed to the large turnout, explaining that organisers had prepared about 1,000 T-shirts for participants but ran out of supplies as more residents joined the protest.
Gold Fields Applied for Lease Renewal in 2025
Gold Fields submitted an application in November 2025 to renew its five mining leases in Tarkwa.
The company is seeking an extension that would allow its Tarkwa mining operation to continue beyond the current lease period.
For the communities supporting the renewal, the issue extends beyond the future of a single mining company.
The petitioners argue that continued operations are important to Tarkwa, the Western Region and Ghana’s broader economy because of the employment, business opportunities, tax revenues and community investments associated with the mining sector.
Calls for Responsible Mining and Community Participation
The residents acknowledged that mining activities can create environmental, social and economic challenges but argued that such concerns should be addressed through stronger regulation, accountability and community participation.
They also called for continuous improvements in mining practices rather than measures that could disrupt an operation employing significant numbers of Ghanaian and local workers.
The demonstration has placed renewed attention on the future of Gold Fields Ghana’s Tarkwa Mine leases as stakeholders await government action on the company’s renewal application.
Source: newsthemegh.com