The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) calls on the Ghanaian government to halt its planned takeover of the Damang gold mine, stressing the need for legal due process and renewed dialogue with Abosso Goldfields Limited (AGL).
In a statement released on April 17, ACEP’s Executive Director, Benjamin Boakye, warned that the abrupt takeover, scheduled for April 18, could damage Ghana’s reputation as a reliable investment destination.
“ACEP calls for a halt in the operation to expropriate the mine tomorrow. The government needs to exercise restraint, renew dialogue, and pursue a legally guided resolution that protects the interests of both the state and investors,” Boakye stared.
The Minerals Commission has accused AGL of bypassing its procedures and directly engaging the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources regarding its lease renewal, a move officials say violated established protocols.
Despite these claims, ACEP urged caution, warning that a rushed decision could lead to international litigation, investor flight, and long-term damage to the mining sector’s credibility.
Boakye added that perceptions of state-led nationalization, already surfacing in media and official statements, further complicate the issue and may fuel investor anxiety.
ACEP concluded by urging the government to resolve the matter through transparent, lawful means that uphold Ghana’s commitment to responsible resource governance and investor confidence.
