There is a deepening divide within the Apinto Traditional Area over the future of Gold Fields Ghana, as the youth group led by Nana Kwasi Ansah, Abakoma of Huniso, has openly rejected calls by some chiefs for the mining giant’s lease not to be renewed.
The youth group say the campaign by the traditional leadership does not reflect the views of the wider community and risks undermining decades of socio-economic transformation that Gold Fields has brought to Tarkwa and its surrounding communities.
Addressing the media, the group argued that rather than demanding the company’s exit, traditional leaders should engage management in dialogue over any outstanding concerns. They warned that forcing Gold Fields out could reverse years of economic progress, threaten jobs and weaken business activity across the enclave.
‘Thirty Years’ Is an Unfair Measure of Gold Fields’ Contribution
Representing the youth, Nana Kwasi Ansah dismissed claims that Gold Fields has had over three decades to transform the area but has failed to do so. According to him, such comparisons ignore the enormous investments made when the company took over operations.
They explained that the mine was originally an underground operation before Gold Fields invested heavily over several years to convert it into a large-scale surface mine.
In addition, they noted that extensive resettlement exercises, including relocating residents from Atuabo and other affected communities to what is now known as New Site, also took years to complete. Given these developments, they argued, assessing the company’s impact based simply on the number of years it has operated in Tarkwa presents an incomplete and unfair picture.
‘Why Is Gold Fields the Only Target?’
The youth also questioned why Gold Fields has become the sole focus of the chiefs’ campaign despite the presence of several other major mining companies and other businesses such as timber, operating within the Tarkwa enclave.
They estimated that four to five large companies operate in the area and asked why similar demands have not been directed at those companies.
They further questioned what the other companies had done differently for the community that justified singling out Gold Fields, especially when the renewal of other mining leases reportedly attracted little or no public opposition.
Chiefs Allegedly Proposed a Preferred Replacement Company
In one of the more striking claims, the youth alleged that before the chiefs held their public press conference, they met with community members and disclosed the identity of a company they believed should replace Gold Fields.
According to the group, they requested details of what benefits the proposed investor intended to offer the community so residents could make an informed comparison.
However, they alleged that the chiefs declined to provide any investment package or development proposals, insisting instead that the youth simply support their campaign. The youth said such an approach raises concerns about whether the campaign is genuinely in the community’s interest.
‘Gold Fields Transformed Tarkwa’
The youth credited Gold Fields with significantly changing the face of Tarkwa over the past two decades. They recalled that Tarkwa was once regarded as an underdeveloped town, saying residents were often ridiculed for coming from the area.
Today, they argued, Tarkwa has evolved into one of Ghana’s most vibrant mining communities, attributing much of that transformation to investments made by Gold Fields over the years.
The youth underscored Gold Fields’ long-standing sponsorship of Medeama Sporting Club as one of the company’s most visible contributions to the local economy.
Although the football club is privately owned, they argued that its success has generated substantial economic activity for Tarkwa and surrounding communities through commerce, hospitality and local businesses.
They also pointed to the sports stadium constructed by Gold Fields, describing it as an enduring asset that continues to benefit residents.
Employment Process Involves Traditional Leaders
The youth also rejected allegations that Gold Fields sidelines traditional authorities in recruitment.
According to them, the Gyasehene serves as chairman of interview panels whenever the company undertakes recruitment exercises, ensuring that traditional leaders participate directly in the employment process.
They therefore maintained that claims of exclusion are inconsistent with the company’s recruitment practices.
‘If Ghanaians Want to Mine, There Are Other Opportunities’
Responding to suggestions that a Ghanaian company should take over Gold Fields’ concession, the youth argued that nationality alone should not determine who operates the mine.
They pointed to several state-owned or Ghanaian-managed enterprises, including the once-prominent Aboso Glass Factory, which have struggled or collapsed over the years.
According to them, if local investors wish to venture into mining, there are numerous untapped mineral-rich areas where they can acquire concessions rather than seeking to take over a company that has already invested billions in developing its operations.
‘Chiefs Do Not Speak for Everyone’
The youth stressed that chiefs derive their authority from the people and therefore cannot unilaterally determine the future of the community without broader consultation. They argued that the interests of a few traditional leaders should not supersede those of the entire Apinto community.
The group further alleged that some chiefs maintain contractual relationships with Gold Fields and receive payments through those arrangements.
Against that backdrop, they questioned claims that the company does not respect traditional authorities.
Dialogue Should Come Before Calls for Exit
Rather than campaigning publicly for the company’s lease to be rejected, the youth urged the chiefs to first exhaust dialogue with Gold Fields. According to them, traditional leaders should formally present their demands and expectations to management and only consider stronger measures if negotiations fail.
They argued that no evidence has been presented to show such engagement has taken place before launching the campaign for the company’s removal.
The youth also questioned whether promises from another prospective investor could be influencing the push for Gold Fields’ exit.
Community Urged to Defend Gold Fields’ Renewal
Concluding their address, the youth appealed to residents across the Apinto Traditional Area to reject calls for Gold Fields’ departure.
They warned that the company’s exit would have far-reaching consequences for employment, business activity and the local economy.
According to them, Gold Fields has become an integral part of Tarkwa’s development story, and removing such a major investor without compelling justification could reverse years of progress and diminish future opportunities for generations to come.
