Reject Gold Fields Licence Renewal – Kwaku Manu to Mahama
Ghanaian actor and television personality Kwaku Manu has called on President John Dramani Mahama not to renew Gold Fields’ mining licence when it expires in January 2027, arguing that Ghana must take greater control of its strategic natural resources.
His comments come amid renewed national debate over mining concessions, with government signalling that future licence renewals will no longer be automatic. Authorities have indicated that mining companies must demonstrate stronger commitments to local employment, environmental protection and community development before their licences are extended.
The Gold Fields licence issue has become a subject of public discussion, especially following broader conversations about national economic sovereignty and the role of foreign companies in key sectors of the economy.
In a video posted on social media, Kwaku Manu also commended Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for his handling of recent international evacuation efforts involving Ghanaian nationals.
“Let’s put politics aside. The Foreign Affairs Minister is doing a great job. Recently, he helped secure the release of some Ghanaian soldiers in Russia who were detained by Ukraine, and today, Ghanaians in South Africa, some of whom had been detained, have been brought home as promised,” he stated.
Turning his attention to the mining sector, Kwaku Manu urged the President to reconsider extending Gold Fields’ operations in the country, suggesting that Ghana has the capacity to manage its own mining resources.
“I heard Gold Fields is seeking a 20-year renewal of their lease. Mr President, please do not renew it for them. We should not create tension or expel South Africans, but it is time Ghana takes control of key businesses,” he said.
He further stressed that his position was not aimed at damaging diplomatic relations but rather at strengthening Ghana’s economic independence and increasing local participation in the extractive industry.
Kwaku Manu proposed that experienced Ghanaian investors and mining professionals could take over operations currently managed by foreign companies, arguing that local expertise is sufficient to sustain the sector.
“We have Ibrahim Mahama, who I hear has been given some mining concessions, and other Ghanaians with mining expertise who can manage these operations,” he added.
His remarks have added to ongoing public discourse about resource nationalism and the future of large-scale mining in Ghana, as stakeholders continue to debate how best to balance foreign investment with local ownership and economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, policy discussions within government suggest a tightening regulatory environment for mining firms, with greater emphasis on accountability, environmental responsibility and local value addition.
The Gold Fields concession remains one of the country’s most significant mining assets, and its future beyond 2027 is expected to attract continued public and political attention as Ghana reassesses its approach to natural resource management.
