Former Chief Justice and fellow of the Institute of Economic Affairs, Sophia Akuffo, has argued that Ghana possesses the technical expertise and professional workforce required to independently operate the Tarkwa mine without relying on foreign mining operators.
Her comments come amid ongoing debate over the future of Gold Fields’ mining lease for the Tarkwa concession, which is due to expire in 2027.
Discussions are currently underway between the company and the Government of Ghana over whether the lease should be extended for another 20 years or allowed to lapse.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the IEA in Accra, Sophia Akuffo questioned the long-term benefits Ghana has derived from decades of large-scale foreign-led mining operations.
Concerns Over Limited Local Benefits
According to her, despite more than 30 years of mining activity in Tarkwa, host communities have not experienced development that matches the scale of profits generated from the mines.
She further argued that Ghana’s financial returns from large-scale mining remain disproportionately low compared to the value extracted by multinational mining companies.
The former Chief Justice maintained that the country now has sufficient local expertise to manage major mining operations independently if government decides not to renew Gold Fields’ lease.
“Ghana, today, possesses a highly experienced pool of mining professionals with technical expertise and operational competence to be able to operate the Tarkwa mine successfully should the government deny the Gold Fields lease extension.” - Sophia Akuffo
“They can manage not only the Tarkwa mines but also every mine in this country,” she added.
UMaT Highlighted as Key Training Institution
Sophia Akuffo pointed to University of Mines and Technology as one of the country’s major success stories in developing mining expertise over the past several decades.
According to her, the institution has trained internationally recognised engineers and technical professionals who continue to distinguish themselves both in Ghana and abroad.
“Over the past six decades, UMaT has trained internationally certified engineers and other skilled personnel who continue to distinguish themselves globally.” - Sophia Akuffo
She argued that the availability of such professionals strengthens the case for greater Ghanaian participation and ownership within the mining industry.
Growing Role of Indigenous Firms
The former Chief Justice also highlighted the increasing involvement of local firms in mining operations, insisting that many Ghanaian companies are already performing critical operational roles on behalf of foreign concessionaires.
She referenced indigenous companies such as Engineers and Planners and HeathGold as examples of local firms contributing significantly to mining activities.
“Many large mining companies are already being managed by local firms such as Engineers and Planners, HeathGold field and others on behalf of the foreign mining concessioners.” - Sophia Akuffo
Sophia Akuffo maintained that much of the technical and operational work at Tarkwa is already being executed by Ghanaian professionals, reinforcing her argument that the country is capable of independently managing its strategic mineral assets.
