Lands and Mines Watch Ghana has commended the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for what it describes as a decisive, transparent and legally grounded handling of the impending expiration of the Damang Mine lease.

The organisation said the Minister’s approach, particularly the activation of provisions under the Minerals and Mining (General) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176), reflects a strong commitment to due process and the protection of Ghana’s national interest in the extractive sector.

In a statement, Lands and Mines Watch Ghana highlighted the Ministry’s decision to initiate a competitive tendering process ahead of the lease expiry, noting that the move aligns with regulatory requirements and global best practices in mineral resource governance.

According to the organisation, the issuance of formal notices to interested parties, alongside the commencement of an independent technical and financial assessment, further strengthens the credibility and integrity of the process.

These steps, it noted, send a strong signal to both domestic and international investors that Ghana remains a stable, predictable, and transparent mining jurisdiction.

Lands and Mines Watch Ghana said the ongoing process could help safeguard jobs and ensure economic stability in host communities, while also promoting accountability and competitive efficiency in the allocation of mining rights.

The organisation further stressed the need to maximise value from Ghana’s mineral resources and advance local participation in the sector as part of broader efforts toward long-term sustainability.

While maintaining its commitment to transparency and fairness, Lands and Mines Watch Ghana recommended E&P as a highly capable and credible entity to be considered in the Damang lease bid process, citing its technical expertise, operational efficiency, and alignment with Ghana’s local content and value addition objectives.

It also urged the Ministry to sustain the transparent process through to its conclusion, stressing that the final award must reflect the best interests of the Ghanaian people.

The Damang Mine, one of Ghana’s key gold-producing assets, has in recent months come under focus as its lease nears expiration, raising questions about continuity, ownership, and the future of operations.

The development comes amid broader national discussions on ensuring greater accountability, investor confidence, and value retention in Ghana’s extractive sector.

Lands and Mines Watch Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and actions that promote responsible resource governance, investor confidence, and sustainable national development.