Newly surfaced documents indicate that Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources granted early approval for Engineers and Planners (E&P) to pursue the acquisition of the Damang Mine, contradicting claims that the process began recently.
At the centre of the development is a letter dated March 12, 2024, issued by the ministry under the leadership of then Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor. The document, signed on behalf of the minister by Professor Patrick K. Agbesinyale, confirmed that the ministry had no objection to E&P entering into negotiations with Gold Fields over the possible acquisition of the mine.
The letter effectively granted E&P the green light to begin discussions aimed at purchasing shares in the Damang asset, although it clearly stated that any final agreement would still require full government approval.
This revelation forms part of a broader timeline showing that E&P’s interest in acquiring the mine dates back to 2023, when the company formally expressed its intention to buy the asset following signals that Gold Fields was preparing to wind down operations.
Industry observers say the March 2024 approval marked a critical turning point, as it allowed formal engagement between the parties and positioned E&P as a serious contender to take over the mine. The move also aligns with Ghana’s wider push to encourage greater local participation in large-scale mining operations.
Subsequent correspondence in 2025 further confirmed that the government was aware of ongoing negotiations and had even included E&P in transition planning for the mine’s future operations.
The Damang Mine is expected to be handed over to the Government of Ghana in April 2026 following the expiration of Gold Fields’ lease, making the outcome of the acquisition discussions particularly significant.
If successful, the deal could represent a major shift in Ghana’s mining sector, potentially paving the way for increased indigenous ownership of large-scale mining assets.
