Young people in Tarkwa demand better mining terms
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on 3News
Young people from communities hosting Gold Fields Ghana’s mine in Tarkwa are demanding better terms for the renewal of its mining concession. They made the request on 11 November at a press conference, according to 3News.
Youth leaders from communities hosting the Tarkwa gold mine, operated by Gold Fields Ghana, have called on the government to negotiate better terms for the renewal of the mining licence, at a press conference on 11 November, 3News reports. They reject calls not to renew the licence and believe traditional authorities should instead seek greater benefits for the communities and Ghana.
The group, led by Nana Kwasi Ansah and representing communities including Huniso, Samahu, Abekoase, Tebe and Pepesa, is calling for greater local participation, stronger local content commitments and more infrastructure, according to 3News. These leaders also oppose proposals for exclusively Ghanaian ownership or local management of the mine, arguing that such an arrangement would require substantial financial capacity, investment and technical expertise to maintain production and the operation’s competitiveness.
The demand comes as Apinto chiefs called in July for a stake in the Tarkwa mine. Youth leaders are now advocating renegotiation of the concession agreement with Gold Fields Ghana rather than a transfer of ownership of the operation.
