A palpable mix of gratitude and hopeful anticipation hangs in the air of the lush, green hills of Damang. After more than two decades of shared history, the Gold Fields era is drawing to a close.
But as the mining giant prepares to hand over the baton to a new owner in April, the people of this close-knit community are not just saying goodbye; they are standing up to tell a powerful story of partnership and progress.
For 25 years, the Damang mine has been more than just an industrial site; it has been the lifeblood of a district, a silent partner in its development.
In the twilight of Gold Fields’ tenure, a chorus of voices from the host communities has risen, not in farewell, but in fierce defence of a legacy they insist must not be forgotten.
A Kingdom’s Testimony: “It Is Not Fair to Say They Did Nothing”
At the heart of the Wassa-Damang traditional area, the sentiment is clear: history must be recorded accurately.
Nana Kweku Armah II, the Chief of Wassa-Damang, who has watched the mine’s impact unfold from his palace, offered a measured and authoritative perspective on the transition.
“To say Gold Fields has done nothing for us is simply not fair,” the Chief declared, his voice carrying the weight of tradition and witness. He steered the conversation away from dwelling on the past and toward safeguarding the future. “What we should be interested in now is what the next company will do. Will they continue from where Gold Fields left off and improve on it, or will they take a different path?”
His question is the central theme that resonates across the nine host communities. Villages like Nyamebekyere, Kyekyewere, Bompieso Huni Valley and Subri that fall under the jurisdiction of the Bosomtwe, Damang, and Subri divisional stools. These communities have had a formal voice through the Damang Mine Community Consultative Committee, a quarterly meeting where chiefs, assembly members, and employment representatives sit with the mine to discuss development priorities. It is a model of engagement they hope will survive their host communities.
A Tapestry of Testimonies: Lives Transformed by Partnership
Ordinary residents and local leaders also stepped forward to share their deeply personal stories of transformation, painting a vivid picture of a company woven into the fabric of the community.
Kobby Asamoah, a resident whose life has been touched by the mine’s presence, put it simply: “Gold Fields has done a lot for the community.” For him, the evidence is all around—in the roads they use, the jobs they hold, and the opportunities available to the youth.
Sumaila Sarpong, the Unit Committee Chairman for the Damang Electoral Area, offered a particularly passionate and detailed testimony. Speaking with the authority of a local leader and the emotion of a father, he debunked any claims of corporate neglect.
“Gold Fields has done a lot for Damang in terms of scholarships. Now, most of the youth are educated because of Gold Fields,” Mr. Sarpong stated proudly. He offered a powerful example that underscores the long-term, generational impact of the company’s investment in education. “Aside from the scholarships, there is a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast who is from Damang and a beneficiary of a Gold Fields scholarship. Such an achievement is a testament to how Damang has benefited.”
His personal story added an even deeper layer of credibility. “My own daughter was awarded a scholarship by Gold Fields to study at the midwifery school,” he revealed. “Whenever I hear people saying that Gold Fields did nothing for Damang, I become sad.”
He went on to list the tangible projects that dot the landscape:
· Education: “Gold Fields built the only private school at Damang in honour of the late chief, Nana Amoakwa. They also support the government schools.”
· Healthcare: “The health centre at Damang was built by Gold Fields.”
· Infrastructure: “The town roads at Damang were constructed by Gold Fields.”
Mr Sarpong also highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering young people with sustainable skills. “Apprenticeship programmes by the company have turned people into welders and other tradesmen, and most are now employed in the mine.
Girls who wanted to learn fashion and dressmaking were sponsored by Gold Fields, and after graduating, they were given industrial machines and seed capital to start their own businesses.”
While acknowledging that no partnership is perfect, he appealed for fairness. “Though we would have wished for more, we should not paint the company black because we are not the only host community of Gold Fields.”
From Tailings to Triumph: Reclaiming the Land, Empowering the People
The most visible symbol of the Gold Fields legacy isn’t made of steel or concrete; it is growing from the soil. In a striking example of environmental stewardship, old tailings dams—areas once used for waste—have been scientifically reclaimed and transformed into lush farmlands. These lands have been handed back to the community, turning a symbol of industry into a source of food and income.
Today, these fields are bursting with vegetables, palm fruits, and coconuts. The farmers who work the land are not employees of the mine, but independent entrepreneurs, selling their harvests at local markets and keeping the profits. This agricultural renaissance has been bolstered by significant investment.
Agricultural Impact at a Glance:
· Total Investment: US$1.84 million
· Cocoa Farmers Supported: 600
· Youth in Horticulture (YouHoP) Beneficiaries: 363 young people trained in modern farming techniques.
Beyond the Paycheck: The Human Impact on Livelihoods
The economic impact of the mine extends directly into the kitchens and bank accounts of local families. Of the total workforce at Damang, roughly 500 are direct staff, while the remaining 1,000 to 1,500 are contractors engaged in mining services and logistics. For decades, this has meant that many locals have been able to find work without leaving their ancestral homes.
However, the community is keenly aware that numbers on a page only tell part of the story. The real value lies in the skills transferred and the opportunities created for the youth. Through targeted programs, Gold Fields has equipped the next generation with trades that will outlast the company’s presence.
Employment and Skills Development:
· Apprenticeship Programs: 274 young people trained in various trades, including welding and dressmaking.
· Post-Graduation Support: Female graduates of dressmaking programs received industrial machines and seed capital.
· Heavy-Duty Equipment Training: 91 beneficiaries qualified to operate mining machinery.
· Graduate Trainee Opportunities: 79 young professionals launched their careers.
The Foundation’s Footprint: A $19.2 Million Investment in Community Life
The most enduring legacy of the mine is arguably the work of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, which has invested over US$19.2 million into the district, reshaping the landscape and quality of life.
Infrastructure and Connectivity:
With an investment of US$8.23 million, the foundation didn’t just build structures; it connected people.
· Roads: The construction and rehabilitation of the 33-kilometre Damang–Tarkwa road, as well as internal town roads in Damang, have revolutionised transportation and access, opening up the area for commerce and social services.
· Utilities: Electricity was extended to once-dark villages, including Nyamebekyere, Kyekyewere, and Subri, bringing them into the modern era.
· Water and Sanitation: 17 pump-fitted boreholes and 13 small-town water supply systems now provide clean drinking water, while 118 toilet facilities have significantly improved community sanitation.
· Community Spaces: Five community centres and two bridges stand as monuments to social cohesion.
Investing in Minds: The Future of the Youth:
Recognising that education is the key to long-term prosperity, the foundation channeled US$3.85 million into learning.
· Scholarships: 805 beneficiaries have received scholarships and bursaries, removing financial barriers to education. This includes university lecturers and aspiring midwives.
· Infrastructure: 30 schools have been constructed or rehabilitated—including the only private school in Damang, built in honour of the late chief Nana Amoakwa—and over 8,553 pieces of furniture have been distributed to eager students.
· Quality Teaching: A Teachers’ Top Up Scheme has supported 35 educators, encouraging them to stay in the district. Two ICT centres have also been built to bridge the digital divide.
Health: A Commitment to Well-being:
With healthcare being a primary concern for any growing population, US$2.05 million was invested to ensure residents don’t have to travel far for medical attention.
· Facilities: Four clinics and maternity blocks, including the health centre at Damang, have been constructed, bringing maternal and child health services closer to home.
· Staff Accommodation: To attract and retain medical professionals, four doctors’ and nurses’ quarters have been built.
· Outreach: Regular medical outreaches and weekly radio health education programs keep the community informed and healthy.
Voices of the Youth: A Plea for Continuity and a Call for More
As the primary beneficiaries of these social investments, the youth are the most vocal about the need for the new mine owners to adhere to the high standards set by Gold Fields.
Daniel Odoom, a youth leader, spoke with urgency about the transition, calling on the government to be the guarantor of continuity. “We are pleading with the government to ensure that the projects started by Gold Fields are completed, and that opportunities like scholarships and graduate training continue,” he implored. Looking to the future, he voiced a growing concern, a plea for the next essential amenity: a hospital to serve the expanding population.
Ebenezer Takyi, the Youth Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley, echoed this sentiment while offering a prayer for the mine’s future management. He urged that the new operators be “Engineers and Planners” who can match Gold Fields’ competence.
“In our prayers, if the Government of Ghana hands over the company to Engineers and Planners, it will be in our best interest,” Mr Takyi noted. “However, we wish to stress that whoever assumes ownership or operational control of the Damang Mine must prioritise the development and welfare of the host communities. For us, community development remains our topmost priority, and we expect the continuation and strengthening of the initiatives that have supported our communities over the years.”
He strongly refuted any claims that the mining firm had been a poor partner. “Contrary to the claims made by some individuals that the company has done little or nothing for the communities, we wish to firmly state that such assertions are false and misleading.”
The Road Ahead: A Blueprint for the Next Investor
As the sun sets over the reclaimed farmlands and the bustle of the mine continues, the story of Damang is not one of an ending, but of a crucial turning point. The people have documented their blessings from boreholes and bridges to trained apprentices, graduate trainees, and even a university lecturer and are now holding up this legacy as a blueprint for the future.
They have tasted what responsible mining can bring, and their message to the next investor is clear: the gold in these hills is precious, but the community’s development is the real treasure. The departing company may be leaving, but the standard it has set remains firmly in the ground, waiting to be matched.
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