MP for Mpraeso Davis Opoku Ansah, has called on the Ghanaian government to use GoldFields’ request for a 20-year lease extension in Tarkwa as leverage to address xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In a recent statement, the MP highlighted that Ghana’s mineral resources have significantly contributed to South Africa’s economic growth. He argued that African unity should extend beyond boardrooms, stressing that attacks on Ghanaians and other Africans working abroad undermine this principle.
The call comes as South Africa faces mounting scrutiny over the harassment and public humiliation of other Africans, including Ghanaians, working there. The MP stressed that Ghana’s mineral resources have played a key role in South Africa’s economic growth, highlighting the irony of attacks on Africans abroad.
“Before any extension of the Tarkwa lease is considered, Ghana must insist that South Africa take concrete steps to protect its citizens from xenophobic violence,” he said.
GoldFields’ plea for a two-decade lease extension presents a “critical moment” for Ghana to assert its citizens’ rights while emphasizing the importance of pan-African solidarity, the MP added.
