I didn't just wake to take over Damang Mine, Gold Fields gave me the offer - Ibrahim Mahama

Ibrahim Mahama clarified at the official takeover ceremony of the Damang Mine on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the Western Region that Gold Fields initiated the opportunity for his company to acquire the mine, stating, "Point of correction, I didn't just spring up to say I want to own that mine. Gold Fields said in 2022, " We're going to close the mine, and we want you to take over."

Mr. Mahama revealed he was required to obtain a no-objection letter from the government as part of the process. He said that the former President gave him a document to sit with Gold Fields and negotiate and keep the mine going. Engineers and Planners conducted detailed feasibility and financial assessments before committing to the project, including a bankable study and securing major financing commitments from lenders. One bank has given them $650 million, and another $600 million.

Mr. Mahama added that the company has applied for the mine to have an airport and that within six months, Damang will have an airport. He also said that in the next two years, people will be able to drive from there to Cape Coast on a concrete or asphalt road. The Damang Mine has officially transitioned from Gold Fields Ghana Limited to Engineers and Planners following a competitive bidding process supervised by government authorities after the expiry of the previous lease agreement.