Apinto Council Urges Ghana to Deny Gold Fields Lease Renewal

The Apinto Divisional Council, representing traditional landowners in Tarkwa, has formally requested the Government of Ghana to deny the renewal of the mining lease for Gold Fields Ghana Limited when it expires in April 2027. At a press conference on July 25, 2026, the council alleged that the company has degraded over 4,000 hectares of land and failed to provide socio-economic development proportional to the wealth extracted from the region.

To replace the foreign-owned operation, the council introduced the Apinto Shared Prosperity Proposal, which advocates for a transition to a government-owned mining enterprise. This model aims to move host communities from passive recipients of corporate social responsibility projects to active partners in ownership and governance. The council cited persistent local unemployment, poor infrastructure, and environmental damage as primary drivers for the shift.

Gold Fields has defended its application, arguing that the Tarkwa mine's technical complexity requires its specific capital and expertise. The company countered the council's claims by highlighting its financial contributions, including GH¢5.8 billion in taxes and royalties in 2025 and over $110 million distributed via the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation. The dispute emerges as the administration of President John Mahama faces pressure regarding South African firms and as Ghana considers legislative changes to cap lease renewals at 10 years.