Mpraeso MP Davis Ansah Opoku has called on government to consider handing over the Damang Mine's operations to a competent Ghanaian company once the current one-year transitional lease expires.

His comments follow the Presidency's announcement of a new agreement between the Government of Ghana and Abosso Goldfields Limited—a subsidiary of Goldfields Ghana Limited—that allows the company to resume open-pit mining at Damang while feasibility studies are conducted.

A joint management committee will oversee operations during the 12-month transitional period, pending parliamentary ratification in May.

While welcoming the deal as a short-term solution to maintain operations and jobs, Mr. Opoku stressed the importance of using this moment to chart a new course for Ghana’s mining sector—one that prioritises local ownership and economic independence.

“This is a golden opportunity for Ghana to transition one of its most strategic mining assets into Ghanaian hands,” the MP said. “We must not simply extend leases to multinationals by default. This is the time to empower local firms.”

Citing Nigeria as a model, Mr. Opoku pointed to the Dangote Group’s leadership in national projects such as the recently completed $19 billion refinery as proof that African countries can successfully develop local champions when governments provide the necessary support.

“Nigeria didn’t outsource its future—it invested in its own,” he noted. “Ghana has equally capable entrepreneurs and mining engineers. Let’s back them.”

The MP further urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission to begin identifying capable Ghanaian firms with the technical and financial capacity to manage the mine after the transitional phase ends in May 2025.

“The mining sector should not just be about extracting gold. It must be about building national capacity, creating jobs for our youth, and ensuring that the wealth of this country benefits our people first.”

The Damang Mine, located in the Western Region, has long been a critical component of Ghana’s gold production. As the country reviews long-term options for the site, Mr. Opoku believes it is time to shift away from a model dominated by foreign ownership.

“The future of our extractive sector must reflect Ghanaian control and ambition. We should seize this moment to set a precedent.”

The MP’s call is expected to spark debate as Parliament prepares to consider the terms of the transitional lease in the coming weeks.