Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, Collins Dauda, has underscored the need for a smooth and uninterrupted transition at the Damang Mine as the current lease approaches expiration.

According to him, the committee had earlier reviewed the one-year transitional lease agreement granted to Gold Fields and recommended its ratification by Parliament to ensure continuity of operations.

Hon. Dauda explained that with the lease set to expire on April 18, the committee considered it necessary to embark on a working visit to the mine to assess the level of preparedness for the takeover by a new operator.

“For us, we don’t want any lacuna. We want to see preparations that will ensure smooth continuity. The mine should not be closed but expected to remain active beyond the 18th day of April,” he stated.

The visit formed part of a broader government effort, led by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to engage key stakeholders and guarantee a seamless transition process.

The government has already assured workers of zero job losses during the transition, stressing that protecting employment remains a top priority under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama.

Officials say a competitive and transparent tender process is underway to identify a technically and financially capable operator to take over the mine, with measures in place to ensure operational continuity, safety, and the protection of existing contracts.

The Damang Mine, which has been in operation for over three decades, remains a key asset in Ghana’s mining sector, and authorities insist that the transition will be carefully managed to avoid disruptions while advancing the broader goal of increasing local participation in the industry