A delegation of elders from Damang on Thursday stormed Parliament to demand that mining concessions in their area be awarded to technically competent firms, such as Engineers & Planners, while ensuring that host communities receive greater benefits from mining operations.

The elders argued that Ghana’s mining sector requires professional management and responsible operations, insisting that companies with proven engineering and mining expertise should be prioritised in the allocation of concessions.

According to the group, the future of mining in their traditional area must move beyond political influence and instead focus on competence, environmental responsibility, and community development.

“Our position is simple,” one of the elders reportedly stated. “Mining must be done by professionals who understand the science and engineering of the industry, but the communities whose lands host these mines must also see tangible benefits.”

Background to the Damang Mine Controversy

The protest comes amid developments surrounding the Damang Mine. In April 2025, the Government of Ghana assumed operational control of the mine after rejecting an application by South African mining giant Gold Fields to renew its lease.

The government’s decision triggered debate about the future management of the mine and the broader question of local participation in Ghana’s mineral resources sector.

Several Ghanaian companies have since expressed interest in taking over operations, and industry discussions have focused on the role of indigenous mining firms in managing strategic mineral assets.

Demand for Technical Competence in Mining

The Damang elders stressed that mining is a technically demanding industry that requires expertise in engineering, geology, environmental management, and mine planning.

They therefore called on authorities to prioritise companies with demonstrated professional capacity rather than individuals or politically connected groups lacking technical competence.

Mining experts have long emphasised that proper licensing and operational permits are essential to ensure environmental protection, responsible waste management, and land reclamation after mining activities.

Community Benefits at the Centre of Demands

Beyond the question of who manages the mines, the elders also demanded that mining agreements must guarantee stronger economic benefits for host communities.

They called for improved infrastructure, employment opportunities for local youth, and greater transparency in how mining revenues are shared with affected communities.

Their concerns echo wider national debates about the social and environmental impacts of mining in Ghana. Illegal and poorly regulated mining activities, commonly known as “galamsey,” have severely polluted rivers and degraded forests across the country.

Call for Responsible Mining

The elders concluded their engagement in Parliament by urging policymakers to adopt a balanced approach that promotes professional mining operations while safeguarding the interests of communities and the environment.

They maintained that Ghana’s mineral wealth must translate into sustainable development for the people whose lands host these resources.

“Our resources must work for Ghana,” one elder said, “but they must first work for the communities that live with the mines.”

The youth of Damang have formally petitioned the government to hand over the Damang Mine concession to Ibrahim Mahama. In a petition addressed to the Majority Leader of Parliament, they argued that Mr. Mahama is the most capable person to effectively manage and oversee the… pic.twitter.com/LY9mzkAOpz

— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) March 12, 2026