Former Chief Justice and Fellow of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Sophia Akuffo, says Ghana has developed enough technical and professional capacity to independently manage the Tarkwa mine if government decides against extending the lease of Gold Fields.
Her comments come as discussions continue between government and Gold Fields over the company’s request for a 20-year extension of its Tarkwa mining lease, which expires in 2027.
Speaking at an IEA press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Madam Sophia Akuffo stated that Ghanaian mining professionals had gained decades of experience and were fully equipped to oversee mining operations across the country.
She explained that the country now possessed skilled engineers, technicians and mining experts capable of running large-scale mining operations without foreign supervision.
“Ghana today has a highly experienced pool of mining professionals with the competence to manage the Tarkwa mine and other mines across the country,” she said.
Madam Akuffo highlighted the contribution of the University of Mines and Technology, noting that the institution had over the years trained internationally recognised mining professionals serving both locally and internationally.
She further expressed concern over the limited developmental impact of mining activities on communities despite the huge revenues generated by multinational companies.
According to her, several Ghanaian firms were already playing significant roles in mining operations on behalf of foreign concessionaires, demonstrating the country’s growing local expertise in the sector.
She mentioned firms such as Engineers and Planners as examples of local companies contributing actively to mining activities.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Aaron Mike Oquaye, who also addressed the forum, urged government to prioritise national ownership and greater economic returns in decisions concerning the country’s natural resources.
Prof. Oquaye said Ghana had the opportunity to reclaim control of key national assets once existing agreements expired, adding that several countries had successfully renegotiated resource contracts in their national interest.
