Africa-Press – Ghana. The industrial group warned that the investment climate in Ghana’s mining sector is at risk of being undermined due to the cancellation of lease contracts, delays in renewals, and policy uncertainty, which increases cost pressures on mining companies.
Kenneth Ashigbi, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, stated that the cancellation of some lease contracts held by the local mining company Adamus Resources due to alleged violations, along with uncertainty regarding Gold Fields’ lease renewal, could create the impression that “security of tenure in Ghana is not guaranteed,” which may harm investment.
Ashigbi noted that the Tarkwa lease, a key asset for the South African mining company that produced about 427,000 ounces of gold in 2025, has seen efforts to advance renewal talks come to a halt.
Ghana, like other African commodity-producing countries, has launched reforms to increase revenues amid rising mineral prices. Last year, Africa’s largest gold producer also declined to renew the lease for Gold Fields’ smaller Damang mine.
The non-profit Institute of Economic Affairs based in Accra stated this week that Ghana should not renew the Tarkwa lease but instead allocate it to local operators.
Ashigbi pointed out that “their proposal would lead to the destruction of the security of tenure that is essential for the development and sustainability of the mining industry.” Gold Fields did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
An executive in the mining sector expressed concern over the uncertainty following failed attempts to meet with officials, adding, “The Tarkwa mine is of significant importance due to the volumes it contributes.” Meanwhile, Ghana’s Ministry of Mines and the Minerals Commission, the regulatory body for the sector, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
