MP Davis Ansah Opoku Urges Local Ownership of Damang Mine After Transitional Deal with Goldfields

Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has called on the Government of Ghana to use the transitional agreement with Goldfields Ghana Limited over the Damang Mine as a stepping stone toward full Ghanaian ownership of the strategic asset.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the MP described the recent 12-month lease arrangement with Abosso Goldfields as a “positive step,” but emphasized that the country must go further by ensuring that future control of the mine lies in the hands of Ghanaian companies.

“As Ghana approaches the end of this 12-month lease with Abosso Goldfields, we must begin laying the groundwork to transition this strategic asset into Ghanaian hands,” he stated. “The long-term goal must be clear: local ownership, benefit, and national pride.”

Citing Nigeria as an example, Opoku praised the achievements of Nigerian entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote, whose $19 billion Dangote Refinery was developed and constructed without foreign ownership. He stressed that Ghana has the talent and potential to achieve similar success if given the opportunity.

“Why should another mining lease go to a foreign company when we can build the next Dangote in Ghana?” he questioned, adding that the government should identify and empower capable local mining firms with the technical and financial support needed to take charge.

The MP concluded by urging the government to view the Damang Mine transition as a turning point, stating, “Let’s turn our natural resources into national resilience—by trusting and investing in our people.”

The statement comes amid growing public discourse on the need for increased local participation in Ghana’s extractive industries, particularly in the mining sector.