BTA Admin Gold Fields has defended its stewardship of the Tarkwa gold mine, highlighting its economic contribution and community investments as calls grow for the operation to be transferred to a wholly Ghanaian-owned company when its mining lease expires in 2027.
The company’s response follows appeals by the Apinto Divisional Council in Ghana’s Western Region for the government not to renew Gold Fields’ lease, arguing that the strategically important mine should instead be operated by a locally owned company.
Gold Fields said the Tarkwa mine has played a significant role in Ghana’s economy over the past three decades through tax payments, employment, local procurement and infrastructure development.
The company said it has contributed more than $2.5 billion in direct taxes, royalties and other statutory payments to the Government of Ghana since beginning operations at Tarkwa, while spending approximately $4.3 billion on procurement from Ghanaian suppliers.
Gold Fields also said it has invested about $115 million in community development projects through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, funding education, healthcare, infrastructure, water and sanitation initiatives across host communities.
The company said the mine directly employs more than 4,000 people, with over 99% of its workforce made up of Ghanaians.
Gold Fields further cited investments in skills development and local enterprise programmes, saying these initiatives have helped strengthen businesses and create employment opportunities beyond mining operations.
The company also defended its environmental performance, pointing to land reclamation efforts, biodiversity conservation programmes and compliance with Ghana’s environmental regulations.
The debate over the future of the Tarkwa mine comes as Ghana seeks to increase local participation in its natural resource sector while maintaining investor confidence in one of Africa’s largest gold-producing countries.
The Apinto Divisional Council has argued that allowing a wholly Ghanaian-owned company to operate the mine after 2027 would deepen domestic ownership of the country’s mineral resources and increase the economic benefits retained within Ghana.
Gold Fields, however, maintains that its long operating history, continued investment and contribution to national development provide a strong case for the renewal of its mining lease.
The company said it remains committed to working with government, regulators and host communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of its operations while continuing to contribute to Ghana’s economic development.
The final decision on the future of the Tarkwa mining lease will rest with the Government of Ghana as discussions over the concession continue ahead of its scheduled expiry in 2027.
Gold Fields is mounting its case to retain control of the Tarkwa mine by emphasizing its economic contributions, local employment and community investments, while growing calls for greater Ghanaian ownership are placing renewed focus on the future of one of the country’s largest gold assets. As the 2027 lease expiry approaches, the outcome is likely to become a closely watched test of Ghana’s balancing act between attracting foreign investment and expanding domestic participation in its mining industry.
