The Lands and Mines Watch Ghana has commended the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for what it describes as a transparent and lawful approach to the impending expiration of the Damang Mine lease.

In a press release, signed by the Executive Director of the group, Kwame Owusu Danso, the policy advocacy group praised the minister’s handling of the transition process, highlighting his decision to trigger provisions under the Minerals and Mining (General) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176) to guide a competitive tendering process.

According to the group, this move reflects a strong commitment to due process, regulatory compliance, and the protection of Ghana’s national interest in the extractive sector.

"We particularly applaud the minister’s proactive steps in triggering the provisions of Minerals and Mining (General) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176) to guide the competitive tendering process. This demonstrates a firm commitment to due process, regulatory compliance, and the protection of Ghana’s national interest in the extractive sector," the statement said.

The Lands and Mines Watch Ghana further noted that the issuance of formal notices to interested parties, alongside the initiation of an independent technical and financial assessment, strengthens the credibility and integrity of the lease transition process.

It added that such measures align with global best practices in mineral resource governance and reinforce Ghana’s reputation as a stable and transparent mining destination for both local and international investors.

"The issuance of formal notices to interested parties and the initiation of an independent technical and financial assessment further reinforce the credibility and integrity of the process.

"These actions are consistent with global best practices in mineral resource governance and send a strong signal to both domestic and international investors that Ghana remains a stable, predictable, and transparent mining jurisdiction," it added.

The organisation also believes the approach adopted by the ministry will help safeguard jobs in host communities, ensure maximum value from the country’s mineral resources, and promote accountability and efficiency in the allocation of mining rights.

It also noted that the process could enhance Ghanaian participation in the sector and support long-term sustainability.

While reiterating its support for transparency and fairness, the group recommended E&P as a credible contender in the Damang lease bidding process, citing its technical expertise, operational efficiency, and alignment with Ghana’s local content and value addition objectives.

The Lands and Mines Watch Ghana urged the ministry to sustain the transparent process through to its conclusion, stressing that the final decision must reflect the best interests of the Ghanaian people.