Arise Ghana has called on the government to reject any renewal of mining leases involving Gold Fields, citing the persistent xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The comment comes amid ongoing discussions over the future of the Damang Mine following the expiry of Gold Fields' mining lease, which has generated public debate, with some groups advocating greater local participation in Ghana's mining sector and supporting the involvement of indigenous firms, such as Engineers and Planners, in managing strategic mineral assets.

However, they demand that strategic mining concessions associated with the South African mining giant be handed over to indigenous Ghanaian companies, particularly Engineers and Planners (E&P), to ensure that the economic benefits remain in Ghana.

According to a statement issued by the General Secretary of Arise Ghana, Richard Kasu-Adzadu, he said that the repeated attacks against foreign African nationals have created fear and uncertainty among many Ghanaians residing in the country.

"These violent incidents continue to undermine African unity, violate fundamental human rights, and threaten the spirit of Pan-African solidarity upon which the African Union was founded," the statement said.

The group noted that Ghanaian traders, students, workers and residents in South Africa have for years endured assaults, intimidation, destruction of businesses and other forms of harassment.

"We condemn in the strongest terms possible the culture of impunity that has allowed such attacks to recur over the years despite repeated diplomatic engagements and public assurances by the South African government," the statement noted.

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The pressure group, however, commended the government, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quarshie, for facilitating the safe return of about 300 Ghanaians from South Africa and for providing reintegration support.

"We highly commend the efforts of the government in ensuring the safe return of affected Ghanaians and supporting their reintegration into society," the statement noted.

Arise Ghana further urged the government to explore legal avenues through continental institutions to seek justice for victims of xenophobic violence.

"The continuous targeting of African migrants violates the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Victims deserve justice, reparations and guarantees that such attacks will never happen again," the group stressed.

Arise Ghana argued that Ghana must reassess its economic relationship with South African-linked interests while Ghanaian citizens continue to face hostility abroad.

"At a time when Ghanaian citizens are facing violence and being told to return home and fix their country, it is unacceptable for Ghana to continue granting strategic economic privileges without a broader assessment of reciprocity, accountability and mutual respect," the statement said.

The group therefore called on the government to transfer strategic mining concessions to local firms.

"These strategic mining concessions should be given to indigenous Ghanaian companies such as Engineers and Planners so that the proceeds remain in Ghana and contribute directly to national development," it added.

The group further cautioned that xenophobia threatens Africa's integration agenda and undermines the vision of a united continent championed by Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah.

"Africa's future cannot be built on division, violence and hostility against fellow Africans. Xenophobia weakens regional cooperation, damages economic integration and betrays the vision of a united continent," Arise Ghana stated.

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