Communities around the Damang Gold Mine Limited (DMGL )  in the western Region have applauded management, post takeover of the concession.

Speaking at a press conference on behalf of the host communities, the Chief of the Bosomtwi Divisional Council, Nana Kwabena Amponsah IV, said the early developments represented positive indications of a more collaborative relationship between the mine and its host communities.

“We have gathered today to publicly acknowledge the positive relationship that has developed between Damang Gold Mine Ltd and its host communities since the company assumed responsibility for the Damang Mine,” he said.

He said the communities had historically sought stronger participation in mining-related decisions, increased employment opportunities for local people, improved infrastructure and a relationship with mining companies based on mutual respect and continuous engagement.

According to him, the early experience under DGML suggested that those objectives could be pursued through dialogue and cooperation.

According to the Chiefs, barely four months after Damang Gold Mine Limited (DGML) took over the operation of the Damang Mine, signs of a new relationship between the mining company and its host communities are beginning to emerge.

The chiefs also claim that  infrastructure works, local employment and structured community engagement taking centre stage.

They also argue that one can talk about the first earthworks for a proposed airstrip at the Huni waste dump to the commencement of work on the Damang-Subri road and preparations for three astroturf facilities adding that “a number of commitments announced at the transition of the mine are already moving into implementation.”

At the same time, nearly 400 people from the mine's catchment communities have entered various stages of DGML's recruitment process, with 180 already engaged and working and another 220 either progressing through recruitment or awaiting results.

According to the chiefs, it is these developments that promted them to hold this press conference.

They, however, say the early momentum must be sustained and translated into lasting improvements in livelihoods, infrastructure and local economic participation throughout the life of the mine.

From Transition to Implementation

The Damang mining lease transitioned to DGML on April 18, 2026, marking a significant change in the ownership and management of an operation that has been central to the economic life of the area for more than three decades.

The transition created considerable expectations among host communities, particularly around employment, infrastructure, local business opportunities and their participation in decisions concerning the mine.

Four months on, community leaders say some of those expectations are beginning to receive concrete responses.

Airstrip Moves Beyond Announcement

One of the most significant developments is the proposed airstrip at the Huni waste dump.

DGML has confirmed that the facility has been designed and that initial earthworks have begun.

The company has also brought the relevant regulatory and local authorities into the process. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipal Assembly have been invited to the site to inspect the progress of the works.

For the communities, the development is important because the proposed airstrip has moved beyond a project announcement to preliminary physical works and regulatory engagement.

When completed, they believe the facility could improve connectivity, support the mine's operations, attract investment and create new economic opportunities for businesses and residents in the wider area.

The communities are therefore looking forward to the completion of the regulatory and technical processes required to take the project into full construction.

Damang-Subri Road Gets Moving

Road infrastructure is another area where the communities are seeing early activity.

Work has commenced on the Damang-Subri section of the Damang-Subri-Praso-Cape Coast road.

The road is regarded by residents as a critical link for the movement of people, goods and services and as an important connection between the mining communities and commercial centres beyond the immediate catchment.

The communities believe improved road infrastructure could reduce transportation difficulties, improve access to markets, schools and health facilities and support businesses operating in the area.

They are therefore calling for sustained collaboration between DGML, the Government and relevant agencies to ensure that the road improvement efforts translate into a durable solution to the longstanding challenges along the corridor.

The development of sports infrastructure , is another thing  that the chiefs highlighted in their engagement.

DGML has indicated that the contractor is expected to mobilise a team and commence work by the middle of August.

For the youth, the proposed parks represent more than recreational facilities.

Community leaders believe they could provide platforms for football development, talent identification, youth engagement and community activities while giving young people access to better sporting infrastructure.

The communities are consequently looking forward to seeing the projects move from site assessment and preparatory activities to actual construction.

400 locals in Employment Pipeline

Perhaps the most immediate benefit being felt by residents is employment.

DGML has reached an agreement with its host communities under which 60 per cent of its employees are expected to come from the local communities, with the remaining 40 per cent sourced externally, including employees' wards, corporate sources and Ghana at large.

Nearly 400 locals have already entered various stages of the recruitment process.

Of these, 180 candidates have been engaged and are currently working.

Another 135 candidates selected for positions including maintenance, heavy-duty driving, security and general hands are progressing through the final stages of recruitment, including pre-employment medical examinations and induction.

A further 85 candidates have completed interviews and are awaiting their results.

The communities regard the numbers as an important early indication that local people can secure a meaningful share of the economic opportunities generated by the mine.