Apinto Chiefs reject GoldFields lease renewal, demand Ghanaian ownership
Chiefs and traditional leaders of the Apinto Divisional Council in the Western Region have issued a strong warning to government against renewing GoldFields Ghana Limited’s lease for the Tarkwa Mine.
Speaking at a press conference, Nana Dr. Adarkwa Bediako III, Gyasehene of Apinto, flanked by other subchiefs including Nana Kodu Appiah, said the community has not seen enough development despite decades of mining in the area. The chiefs argue that the current lease terms have largely benefited the company and foreign stakeholders, while host communities continue to struggle with poor infrastructure, unemployment, and environmental degradation.
The Apinto Chiefs are now demanding that government reject any renewal application and instead consider transferring ownership and control of the mine to Ghanaians. They contend that after over 30 years of operation, it is time for indigenes and the state to take a greater stake in the mine’s profits and management. According to them, Ghana has the technical and financial capacity to run the mine through a partnership with local investors.
The chiefs also questioned GoldFields’ development record, citing unfulfilled promises on schools, health facilities, roads, and local employment quotas. They noted that mining communities continue to bear the brunt of pit collapses, water pollution, and resettlement issues with little compensation.
This position adds to a growing national conversation about natural resource sovereignty. With the Tarkwa Mine lease set to expire soon, pressure is mounting on government to renegotiate terms that prioritize local content, revenue retention, and community development. Labor groups and civil society have also backed calls for more Ghanaian participation in large-scale mining.
Government has not yet responded officially to the chiefs’ demands. However, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is expected to announce its position on the lease renewal in the coming weeks. The outcome will be closely watched by other mining communities who are also demanding better terms from multinational mining companies operating in Ghana.
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