MP demands stronger action against Xenophobia as Gold Fields seeks lease extension

The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has urged the Government of Ghana to use ongoing discussions over Gold Fields’ proposed lease extension in Tarkwa to press for stronger action against xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

In a Facebook post shared on Saturday, May 9, the lawmaker argued that Ghana’s mineral resources have played a major role in supporting South Africa’s economy and should not be overlooked while African migrants continue to face violence in the country.

Gold Fields, a South African mining company founded in 1887 and headquartered in Johannesburg, operates mines in several countries, including Ghana, Australia, and South America. The company maintains its primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and also operates the South Deep mine near Johannesburg.

Commenting on the company’s request for a 20-year extension of its mining lease in Tarkwa, Mr Opoku stated that the negotiations present an opportunity for Ghana to demand stronger protections for Africans living in South Africa.

“Gold Fields is pleading with Ghana for a 20-year extension of its lease in Tarkwa,” he wrote. “Perhaps this is also the moment for the Government to remind them that Ghana’s mineral resources have contributed immensely to the growth and development of South Africa’s economy.”

The MP further called on the South African government to take what he described as “concrete and decisive steps” to end xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African nationals residing in the country.

According to him, many of the victims are hardworking and law-abiding individuals seeking better opportunities to support their families.

“The government of South Africa must therefore take concrete and decisive steps to stop the xenophobic attacks against innocent Ghanaians and other Africans whose only aim is to work hard and provide for their families,” he stated.

Mr Opoku also stressed that the concept of African unity would remain meaningless if violence against fellow Africans continued unchecked.

“African unity cannot be preached in boardrooms while Africans are attacked on the streets,” he added.

His comments come amid ongoing public discussions over the future of Gold Fields’ mining lease in Tarkwa and renewed concerns about recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa.

Gold Fields has operated in Ghana for more than three decades, having acquired the Tarkwa mine in 1993 before later expanding its operations with the acquisition of the Damang mine in 2002. The Damang mine is currently being operated by Engineers and Planners.

Prince Antwi

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