Gold Fields Ghana has pushed back against concerns surrounding the renewal of its Tarkwa mining leases, insisting that recent public comments attributed to the Apinto Divisional Council do not reflect the company's long standing relationship with traditional authorities and host communities.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the mining company said it remains committed to constructive engagement as government considers its application to extend the life of one of Ghana's largest gold mines.
The response comes after media reports suggested opposition from the Apinto Divisional Council over the future of the mining leases.
Company points to decades of partnership
Gold Fields said it has spent more than three decades working with government, traditional leaders and surrounding communities, maintaining that discussions on issues ranging from environmental management to mine lease renewal have taken place through established consultative structures.
"This position is not reflective of Gold Fields' long standing partnership with traditional authorities and host communities at Tarkwa," the company said.
According to the company, platforms such as the Tarkwa Mine Community Consultative Committee have provided regular opportunities for community representatives and traditional authorities to engage management on issues affecting the mine.
Gold Fields also highlighted its economic contribution, saying approximately 74 cents of every dollar generated by the Tarkwa mine remains in Ghana through taxes, royalties, salaries, procurement and dividends paid to government.
In 2025 alone, the company said it paid about GH¢5.8 billion in taxes, royalties, dividends and other statutory obligations while spending GH¢8.8 billion on local procurement. Of that amount, GH¢6.5 billion went directly to suppliers from host communities.
Lease proposal awaits government decision
Gold Fields disclosed that it submitted its application to renew the Tarkwa mining leases in November 2025, followed by a detailed proposal to government in July this year.
The company said it remains engaged with the relevant authorities while awaiting official feedback.
Although details of the proposal remain under discussion, Gold Fields said it is seeking to deepen local participation, expand procurement opportunities, strengthen skills development and increase long term benefits for communities.
It also stressed that the renewal process is governed by Ghanaian law, under which mineral resources belong to the state and mining lease decisions are handled by government.
The company said it would continue engaging traditional authorities, employees, communities and regulators while respecting the legal process.
Gold Fields added that it had recently met the Apinto Divisional Council and would continue discussions on the issues raised as it pursues what it describes as a long term partnership with Ghana and the people of Tarkwa.
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