ACCRA — The Ghanaian government has explicitly ruled out a blanket nationalization of multinational mining assets, seeking to reassure investors rattled by its recent decision to take operational control of Gold Fields’ Damang mine.

Following a meeting with the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah confirmed that the country has no policy or plan to seize mining assets in a sweeping manner.

The announcement comes barely a month after the government’s dramatic move to reject Gold Fields’ lease renewal for the Damang mine, a decision that sent shockwaves through the sector.

“The government does not have a policy or plan to take over the mining assets of multinational companies in a blanket manner,” Buah stated, according to a Xinhua News Agency report.

Instead, the Minister indicated that each mining lease case would be handled on its own merit, as dictated by the legal and regulatory framework, while pursuing the primary objective of protecting the national interest. The government’s policy is aimed at ensuring a sustainable mining sector that assures returns for investors; promoting technology transfer and expertise development; improving local content; and creating opportunities for local mining communities.

The Damang Precedent and Sector Jitters

Investor anxiety has been running high since April 16, 2025, when the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced it would assume operational control of the Damang Mine of Abosso Gold Fields Limited (AGL) upon the expiration of its 30-year lease on April 18, 2025.

At the time, the government justified the decision based on three grounds, citing the company’s failure to declare verifiable mineral reserves, the absence of a detailed technical program, and a lack of budgetary allocation for exploration over the preceding two years. Gold Fields had halted active mining at Damang in 2023 and shifted to processing stockpiles, with an estimated remaining life of mine of just one year.

However, the move triggered immediate alarm within the industry. The Ghana Chamber of Mines warned that lease revocations and uncertainty surrounding renewals could create the perception that “security of tenure in Ghana is not guaranteed,” potentially affecting investment inflows into the sector.

That concern was amplified in May when the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), led by former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, called on the government to reject Gold Fields’ reported application for a 20-year lease extension at the Tarkwa mine, arguing that Ghana should seize this “historic opportunity” to reclaim ownership of one of Africa’s largest gold mines.

The Chamber of Mines swiftly rejected those calls, cautioning that public pressure surrounding the renewal process risked undermining legal certainty, regulatory predictability, and Ghana’s reputation as a stable mining investment destination.

The Tarkwa Test Case

The contrasting positions set the stage for a fierce debate over the future of Ghana’s mining sector. The IEA argued that Ghana had little transformative development to show after decades of allowing foreign firms to exploit its mineral resources under what it described as concessionary arrangements rooted in the colonial era, maintaining that Ghana now has the technical expertise and operational capacity to manage the Tarkwa Mine itself .

But the Chamber of Mines pushed back forcefully. Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Ashigbey insisted that discussions must be guided by facts and careful analysis, warning that any move to nationalise operations without broader consultation could negatively affect investments and disrupt sector activities.

Resource governance expert and co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), Dr. Steven Manteaw, also pushed back against calls for non-renewal, describing the proposals as “misplaced and completely ill-informed”.

“The oil sector is today struggling to attract investments because Ghana is seen as a hostile destination,” Manteaw warned. “The effect is that our oil sector risks collapse in less than 10 years if the situation remains the same. We must be careful here”.

A “Win-Win” Approach

Buah’s latest assurance—that Ghana remains open to investors based on “win-win” cooperation—appears calibrated to strike a balance between rising nationalist sentiment and the practical need for foreign capital and expertise.

The Minister’s stated goals include ensuring sustainable returns for investors while simultaneously promoting technology transfer, expertise development, local content, and benefits for mining communities.

This approach aligns with the government’s broader policy shift away from what officials have described as the “neo-colonial posturing of automatic renewals” of mining licenses, moving instead toward a thorough reassessment of mining leases to ensure optimal national benefit.

The Tarkwa mine remains a key test case for this new approach. The current lease is set to expire in 2027, and the mine produced approximately 427,000 ounces of gold in 2025. A final decision on its renewal will follow a technical review process that includes presentations to a technical committee at the Minerals Commission and subsequent ministerial-level consideration.

Key Facts at a Glance

Welcome to our curated digest of the most impactful and relevant stories shaping Ghana today.

Carlos Queiroz Recalls Baba Rahman, Ernest Nuamah for World Cup Mission

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has named a strong squad for the upcoming World Cup mission, with notable recalls for left-back Baba Rahman and winger Ernest Nuamah. The two players, who have been in impressive form for their respective clubs, are expected to bolster the Black Stars’ options as Ghana prepares for the global showpiece. Queiroz’s selection reflects a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, as the technical team finalises preparations for the tournament. Read the full story here

GoldBod Signs Gold Refining Agreement with Royal Ghana Gold

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has signed a strategic gold refining agreement with Royal Ghana Gold, a move aimed at adding value to the country’s gold resources and enhancing revenue retention. The partnership is expected to establish local refining capacity, reducing the need to ship raw gold abroad for processing. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda to maximise benefits from Ghana’s mineral wealth, create jobs, and ensure greater transparency in the gold value chain. Read the full story here

Political Analyst Criticises Asiedu Nketiah’s Remarks on Mahama Appointments as “Breach of Confidentiality”

A political analyst has condemned recent comments by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah regarding President John Mahama’s appointments, describing them as a breach of confidentiality. The analyst argued that internal party deliberations on appointments should remain private to preserve unity and trust within the administration. The remarks have sparked debate about the boundaries of internal party communication and the potential impact on governance. Read the full story here

MTN Introduces 0.75% Charges on MoMo-to-Bank Transfers from June 1

Telecommunication giant MTN has announced that it will introduce a 0.75% charge on all mobile money (MoMo) transfers to bank accounts, effective June 1, 2026. The new fee applies to transactions moving funds from MTN MoMo wallets to any bank account in Ghana. The move has raised concerns among consumers and businesses who frequently use the service for payments and settlements. MTN has yet to issue a detailed statement explaining the rationale behind the new charge. Read the full story here

Galamsey Pollution Driving Rise in Kidney Disease – Radiologists Association

The Ghana Association of Radiologists has declared that pollution from illegal mining (galamsey) is contributing to a growing burden of kidney disease across the country, describing the situation as a public health emergency. Association President Dr Francis Ofei warned that the indiscriminate use of mercury and cyanide has resulted in “catastrophic contamination” of water bodies. With an estimated four million Ghanaians living with chronic kidney disease—many between ages 20 and 50—the Association is urging intensified government action against illegal mining. Read the full story here

Gov’t Signals Tougher Scrutiny Before Renewing Gold Fields’ Tarkwa Lease – Reuters

The government has signalled that the renewal of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mining lease will face stricter scrutiny, with Minerals Commission CEO Isaac Andrews Tandoh stating, “It won’t be business as usual.” The company must present development plans to a technical committee before a final decision. The report comes amid debate over lease renewals following the government’s rejection of Gold Fields’ Damang lease renewal in April 2025, with the Ghana Chamber of Mines warning of potential impacts on investor confidence. Read the full story here

RNAQ vs Joana Saga: Ex-wife Rejects GH¢2 Million Offer as Court Document Reveals New Demands

The divorce dispute between businessman Richard Nii Armah Quaye (RNAQ) and his ex-wife Joana Coffie has intensified after she formally rejected his GH¢2 million settlement offer. Joana’s legal team is demanding GH¢40 million, two five-bedroom houses in prime Accra neighbourhoods, and two brand-new vehicles. Her lawyers also raised unresolved issues regarding her shares in Quick Credit and Investment Micro-Credit Limited, as well as allegations of abuse during the marriage. Read the full story here

Accra Airport to End Shoe and Belt Removal During Screening from August 2026

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that passengers at Accra International Airport will no longer be required to routinely remove their shoes and belts during security screening starting August 2026. The change follows the installation of new, advanced screening technology aimed at strengthening aviation security while improving passenger convenience and reducing delays. The upgrade is part of a broader government effort to modernise airport operations and position Ghana as a leading aviation and travel hub in West Africa. Read the full story here

ACCRA — President John Dramani Mahama used the launch of Ghana’s first electronic visa (e-Visa) portal on Monday, May 25, 2026, to draw a sharp contrast between Ghana’s open-door policy and the rising xenophobic hostility facing African migrants in South Africa.

Speaking at the launch of the e-Visa, Mahama declared that “while some countries are expelling fellow Africans and making them feel unwelcome, Ghana proudly welcomes them and affirms that this is your home.”

The e-Visa regime is a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s immigration system that scraps the previous visa-on-arrival arrangement and replaces it with a fully digital platform. Under the new regime, all African passport holders travelling to Ghana for business purposes will apply exclusively through the online system and will pay no visa fees.

“From today, all African business travelers will process their visas through this platform and will not pay any visa fee,” Mahama announced, describing the reform as part of a broader transformation of the country’s travel administration system.

The President’s remarks carried particular weight given the timing. His comments came as Ghana finalizes plans to evacuate the first batch of its citizens from South Africa following a resurgence of anti-migrant attacks. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the evacuation process will begin in the early hours of Tuesday, May 26, with evacuees expected to arrive in Ghana by Tuesday afternoon.

The government has prepared a support package that includes financial assistance, transportation to home regions, and psychosocial services for returnees.

Xenophobic Violence Intensifies Across South Africa

Mahama’s pointed reference to “expelling fellow Africans” aligns with mounting concerns over what Human Rights Watch has described as a new wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. Groups such as ‘March and March’ and ‘Operation Dudula,’ (anti-immigration movements advocating stricter enforcement against undocumented migration)have led protests in several South African cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.

A viral video showing the alleged assault of a Ghanaian man triggered widespread outrage and prompted Ghana’s evacuation decision, which will see more than 800 citizens return home.

The scale of the crisis was underscored on Thursday, May 21, when South African police removed approximately 400 foreign nationals, including women and children from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Somalia, from a church center in Durban where they had sought protection from anti-migrant groups.

Local anti-immigrant campaigners cheered and chanted “They must go!” as the migrants, some holding identity documents to bus windows to prove their legal status, were driven to a government refugee center.

“I have the papers to be here. But every time there has been a xenophobic upheaval, I have been a victim,” said Robert Ikobia, a Congolese migrant who told AFP he fled war in the DRC at age 12. “In 2012, I was shot in the head and nearly died. A few years later, I was stabbed by a mob. I fled a war in my country, yet I cannot find peace in South Africa.”

Activists on the ground warn that many incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation, arrest, or deportation.

Mike Ndlovu, media coordinator for Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX), told Al Jazeera that community networks continue to report “intimidation, threats, harassment, unlawful evictions, workplace discrimination, police extortion, and denial of access to healthcare and other basic services affecting migrants and refugees.”

Messages and videos circulating on social media show anti-immigration activists calling for foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30, an ultimatum that carries no legal weight but has nonetheless spread fear across migrant communities.

The E-Visa: Technology, Transparency, and Pan-African Vision

The new e-Visa platform, which took effect on Africa Day, represents a significant technological leap for Ghana’s immigration services. Unlike the previous visa-on-arrival arrangement, which often required physical processing at ports of entry and involved lengthy queues, the digital system allows travelers to apply, pay, and receive visa approvals electronically without visiting a Ghanaian embassy or consulate.

Foreign Minister Ablakwa assured applicants of remarkable efficiency gains:

“Once you begin the visa application process and submit all the supporting documents, you will expect a decision to be delivered to you within 48 hours. That is how efficient the system is.”

Beyond business travelers, President Mahama outlined an even broader vision for the future.

“We envisage a future, which is not too far, of a time where all people of African descent can travel to Ghana without paying any visa fee as they reconnect with their ancestry,” he said, directing the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior to develop the necessary framework to support this extended policy.

The initiative has drawn praise from Ghana’s private sector. The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) described the policy as “transformative,” positioning Ghana as a continental leader in tourism, trade, and cultural integration while strengthening the country’s competitiveness relative to other African destinations.

A Growing Trend: African Nations Open Their Doors

Ghana’s move joins a growing list of African nations adopting more liberal visa regimes to stimulate intra-African trade and mobility. Kenya, Rwanda, and Seychelles have already removed visa requirements for fellow Africans . The policy aligns closely with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, which emphasizes free movement of people alongside goods and services.

The new e-Visa system also forms part of Ghana’s broader digitalisation agenda, incorporating biometric and digital verification systems to strengthen border security while simplifying travel procedures. Officials say the platform will reduce human interface, minimize opportunities for corruption associated with manual processing, and improve data collection for migration management.

Analysts view the timing as significant. By launching the policy on Africa Day and framing it as a direct response to xenophobia elsewhere, Mahama positions Ghana not merely as an alternative destination but as a moral counterweight—a nation that, in the face of continental division, reaffirms the founding Pan-African principle of African unity.

Contrasting Paths: Two Africas

The contrast between Accra’s embrace and Pretoria’s turmoil could hardly be starker. While Ghana prepares to welcome African travellers with digital efficiency and waived fees, South Africa’s anti-migrant groups continue to gain political traction, with parties such as the Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA, and uMkhonto we Sizwe increasingly framing migrants as competitors for jobs and public services.

Mpho Makhubela, a member of the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa, explained to Al Jazeera that “vigilante groups feed off the country’s frustrations over unemployment, socioeconomic decline and the lack of effort to address inequality gaps.”

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have both voiced concerns, calling on South African authorities to investigate abuses and protect migrants’ access to justice and basic services.

For the Ghanaians boarding evacuation flights on Tuesday, however, those appeals offer little immediate comfort. As one tearful woman told the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria:

“We don’t want to stay here. I’m sick and tired of this country.”

President Mahama’s message to her—and to all Africans seeking refuge or opportunity—was clear: “This is your home.”

Key Facts at a Glance