Former Chief Justice and Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Fellow, Sophia Akuffo, has asserted that Ghana possesses the technical and professional capacity to independently manage the Tarkwa mine should the government decline Gold Fields’ request for a lease extension.
Her remarks come amid ongoing negotiations between the government and Gold Fields over a proposed 20-year renewal of the company’s Tarkwa mining lease, which expires in 2027. Addressing an IEA press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Madam Akuffo emphasised that Ghanaian mining professionals, with decades of experience, are fully equipped to oversee large-scale operations across the country.
She highlighted the availability of skilled engineers, technicians, and mining experts capable of running mines without foreign supervision. “Ghana today has a highly experienced pool of mining professionals with the competence to manage the Tarkwa mine and other mines nationwide,” she stated.
Madam Akuffo further underscored the role of the University of Mines and Technology, noting its contribution in training internationally recognised mining professionals who continue to serve both locally and abroad. She further expressed concern over the limited developmental impact of mining activities on communities despite the huge revenues generated by multinational companies.
According to her, several Ghanaian firms were already playing significant roles in mining operations on behalf of foreign concessionaires, demonstrating the country’s growing local expertise in the sector. She mentioned firms such as Engineers and Planners as examples of local companies contributing actively to mining activities.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Aaron Mike Oquaye, who also addressed the forum, urged the government to prioritise national ownership and greater economic returns in decisions concerning the country’s natural resources. Prof. Oquaye said Ghana had the opportunity to reclaim control of key national assets once existing agreements expired, adding that several countries had successfully renegotiated resource contracts in their national interest.
Source: Bernard Ralph Adams