Mpraeso Member of Parliament Davis Ansah Opoku is urging the Ghanaian government to leverage ongoing negotiations for Gold Fields’ lease extension in Tarkwa to pressure South Africa into taking decisive action against xenophobic attacks. The call, made via a Facebook post on Saturday, May 9, highlights the interconnectedness of economic interests and the safety of African migrants.
Context: Gold Fields and African Unity
Gold Fields, a mining giant founded in South Africa in 1887, has a significant global presence, including extensive operations in Ghana spanning over three decades. The company acquired the Tarkwa mine in 1993 and later the Damang mine in 2002. Despite its international operations, Gold Fields remains incorporated in South Africa, with its primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and operations at its South Deep mine near Johannesburg.
The MP’s statement comes at a time when discussions about the renewal of Gold Fields’ mining lease in Tarkwa are underway. Simultaneously, South Africa continues to grapple with recurring incidents of xenophobic violence, which disproportionately affect African migrants, including Ghanaians, seeking economic opportunities.
Leveraging Economic Ties for Safety
In his statement, Mr. Opoku emphasized that Ghana’s mineral wealth has substantially contributed to South Africa’s economic development. He argued that this economic relationship provides Ghana with leverage during lease extension discussions with Gold Fields, a South African-based company.
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