The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has called on government to suspend plans to assume control of the Damang gold mine, urging a more transparent and legally guided approach to resolving the dispute with Abosso Goldfields Limited (AGL). In a statement issued on Thursday, April 17, ACEP's Executive Director, Benjamin Boakye, advised the government to exercise restraint and renew dialogue with AGL.
He emphasized the need for a resolution that protects the interests of both the state and investors, warning that abrupt actions could undermine investor confidence in Ghana's mining sector. The government's decision not to renew AGL's mining lease, which is set to expire on April 18, 2025, has led to directives for the company to cease operations and vacate the site.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, stated that AGL failed to comply with instructions to engage the Commission regarding the lease extension.
Tandoh noted that the company bypassed the Commission and communicated directly with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, contrary to explicit directions.
