Goldfields Rejects Claims Of Neglect In Tarkwa Communities

Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) has strongly rejected allegations that it has failed to undertake meaningful corporate social responsibility projects in its host communities around Tarkwa, describing the claims as "inaccurate and disconnected from realities on the ground." Abdel Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the Foundation, said that the recent accusations circulating in sections of the media came as a surprise to the Foundation. He stated, "The comments recently in the media that Gold Fields in Tarkwa has not been implementing any corporate social responsibility programmes are simply not factual."

Abdel Razak Yakubu argued that the impact of the Foundation's work extends beyond visible infrastructure projects, pointing to healthcare outreach programmes and economic opportunities created through investments linked to mining activities. He disclosed that Gold Fields had invested more than $110 million in development initiatives across sectors including roads, education, healthcare and community livelihoods. Flagship projects cited included the construction of the Nana Angu bypass road, the ongoing construction of the Budo Junction to Bogoso Junction road, and the rehabilitation of the 19km Awudua Junction to Awudua road. On education, Razak Yakubu highlighted the construction of a 360-bed dormitory facility for girls at Hunni-Valley Senior High Technical School. Gold Fields in 2024 constructed the Tarkwa and Aboso Stadium as part of its corporate social responsibility. The $16.2 million stadium, with an 8400 seats capacity is home to local premiere league side Medeama SC.

The rebuttal comes amid growing public debate over the future of the Gold Fields Ghana Tarkwa mine lease, which expires in April 2027. While civil groups including the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and some individuals have urged government not to renew the lease, the Ghana Chamber of Mines has cautioned that any move to deny