Gold Fields: 74% of Tarkwa Mines value stays in Ghana
Gold Fields Ghana has mounted a robust defence of its economic and social contribution to Ghana, disclosing that approximately 74 cents of every dollar generated by the Tarkwa Mine remains in the country, while highlighting billions of cedis paid to the Government, massive local procurement, extensive community investments and environmental restoration projects as debate over the renewal of its mining leases intensifies.
In a statement issued in Accra, the mining company said recent media reports regarding the position of the Apinto Divisional Council did not accurately reflect its longstanding relationship with traditional authorities and host communities, stressing that it remained committed to dialogue as the lease renewal process continues.
Gold Fields noted that it has operated the Tarkwa Mine for more than three decades, during which it has maintained continuous engagement with chiefs, opinion leaders and community representatives through the Tarkwa Mine Community Consultative Committee, community forums and other governance structures.
According to the company, these platforms have provided opportunities to discuss issues relating to mining operations, environmental management, land rehabilitation, community investment and the ongoing mining lease renewal process.
GH¢5.8bn paid to govt in 2025
Gold Fields said its operations continue to generate substantial value for the Ghanaian economy, revealing that about 74% of the value created by the Tarkwa Mine remains in Ghana through taxes, royalties, Government dividends arising from its 10% free-carried equity, employee salaries and benefits, procurement from Ghanaian businesses and direct investments in host communities.
The company disclosed that in 2025 alone, it paid approximately GH¢5.8 billion to the Government in the form of corporate taxes, royalties, dividends and other statutory obligations.
Beyond direct fiscal contributions, Gold Fields said it spent GH¢8.8 billion on procurement from local businesses across Ghana during the same period.
Of that amount, GH¢6.5 billion was spent with suppliers located within its host communities, underscoring what it described as its commitment to promoting local enterprise development and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Over $110 million invested in host communities
Gold Fields also highlighted the extensive work of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, which it described as the primary vehicle through which its corporate social investments are delivered.
The Foundation, whose projects are selected in consultation with community representatives and traditional authorities, has invested more than $110 million in host communities over the years.
According to the company, the investments span infrastructure development, education, healthcare, water and sanitation, agriculture, enterprise development and environmental conservation.
Among the landmark projects financed through the Foundation are the 33-kilometre Tarkwa-Damang asphalt road, the Tarkwa and Abosso Sports Stadium, the construction of more than 52 schools, scholarship programmes, an Artificial Intelligence SmartLab, vocational and skills development initiatives, as well as healthcare facilities serving mining communities.
Local employment
Gold Fields said local employment remains central to its operations.
It disclosed that about 70% of employees working at the Tarkwa Mine are drawn directly from host communities, while 99% of its total workforce is Ghanaian.
The company said this demonstrates its commitment to developing local talent and ensuring that mining creates lasting employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
$46m invested in environmental restoration
Responding to concerns about environmental stewardship, Gold Fields stated that it has invested approximately $46 million in mine rehabilitation programmes since 2016.
Annual expenditure on rehabilitation has averaged $4.2 million, the company said.
It further revealed that more than 818,000 trees have been planted since 1998, while over 33,000 trees are currently being nurtured in its nursery for future rehabilitation exercises.
According to the company, land rehabilitation is undertaken concurrently with mining operations and includes reforestation, biodiversity restoration and the conversion of reclaimed land into agricultural areas for community use.
Lease renewal
On the ongoing lease renewal process, Gold Fields disclosed that it submitted its application to renew the Tarkwa mining leases in November 2025 and formally presented its lease renewal proposal to the Government in July 2026.
The company said discussions with the relevant state authorities remain ongoing as it awaits official feedback on its application.
Gold Fields explained that its proposal seeks to deepen local participation in mining, expand procurement from Ghanaian businesses, strengthen community development programmes, enhance skills training and create greater long-term socio-economic value for the country.
The company reiterated its support for Ghana’s ambition to maximise benefits from its mineral resources but stressed that this objective should be pursued in a manner that safeguards employment, sustains investor confidence, supports local businesses and ensures responsible mining continues to deliver long-term economic value for Ghana and its people.
