Accra – It has emerged that approval for the acquisition of the Damang Mine by Engineers & Planners Company Limited (E&P) was granted as far back as March 2024 by former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor.
In a letter in possession of Accra News Online, the approval, issued in the form of a “no objection” letter, cleared the way for E&P to formally engage in discussions toward a potential takeover of the mine, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s push for increased indigenous participation in the mining sector.
E&P, which has provided key mining services at the Damang Mine since 2002, initiated formal acquisition interest in 2022. This led to structured engagements with Gold Fields, the current operator, beginning in 2023.
A major development occurred on September 4, 2023, when Gold Fields Ghana, through its subsidiary Abosso Goldfields Limited, issued a demobilisation notice to E&P, signaling a shift in operational arrangements and triggering the next phase of negotiations.
Following high-level discussions between both parties in Accra, E&P formally applied to the government in March 2024 seeking official clearance to pursue a takeover pathway. The request was subsequently approved by the Ministry, paving the way for deeper engagement on the transition process.
Momentum toward the takeover strengthened in late 2025. In a letter dated November 11, 2025, Gold Fields recommended that E&P be allowed to continue operating the Damang Mine beyond April 18, 2026.
Acting on this recommendation, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in a letter dated December 8, 2025, formally included E&P in the transition arrangements for the mine.
Earlier in April 2025, following notice from Gold Fields, the government had established a transition team initially comprising the Minerals Commission and Gold Fields to oversee the process.
However, after Gold Fields endorsed E&P as the preferred successor operator, the Ministry directed that the indigenous firm be incorporated into the transition team. Since then, all three parties—the government, Gold Fields, and E&P—have been working collaboratively to ensure a seamless handover.
The transition plan is aimed at maintaining uninterrupted operations at the Damang Mine while safeguarding jobs, with assurances that no layoffs will occur when the current arrangement ends in April 2026.
Industry analysts say the move represents a significant step toward strengthening local capacity in Ghana’s mining sector, as the country seeks to balance foreign investment with greater indigenous control over its natural resources.
If successfully executed, the Damang Mine transition could serve as a model for future partnerships and acquisitions, reinforcing Ghana’s long-term strategy of promoting local participation in large-scale mining operations.
Attached below is said letter
