Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has urged Sankofa Gold Mine to sustain production and explore new opportunities. The Minister called on the state-owned company to strengthen its financial sustainability. This directive came during a working visit to the Prestea mine on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Mr. Nelson’s visit aimed to assess progress in restoring and strengthening operations after a nine-month period of inactivity. He emphasized the importance of keeping the processing plant operational. The Minister stressed that management must avoid any unnecessary disruptions, apart from scheduled maintenance. This focus on continuous operation is crucial for the mine's stability.
This development occurs as Ghana intensifies its efforts to maximize value from its gold resources. The government's renewed focus includes initiatives like GoldBod, which aims to purchase more locally produced gold. Increased production from Sankofa Gold Mine would directly support this national strategy. It would also contribute significantly to employment, government revenue, and broader economic development across the country. The mine's performance is therefore tied to national economic goals.
Managing Director of Sankofa Gold Mine, Alhaji Ishaq Dauda, highlighted a critical operational challenge. The mine's existing tailings facility has only about three months of remaining deposition capacity. He stated that completing a new facility, known as TSF2, is essential for sustained operations. Alhaji Dauda warned that failure to complete TSF2 within this timeframe could force another shutdown, a situation the company aims to prevent.
The new TSF2 facility is currently 80 percent complete and is being funded entirely from Sankofa’s internal resources. Civil works are expected to finish by the end of October, with commissioning targeted for December. The project, which started in May 2025, has faced delays. These delays were due to regulatory requirements, engagements with traditional authorities, and heavier-than-expected rainfall. The Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also mandated the construction of a one-kilometre covered drainage system. This system will divert the Subri River and protect the environment.
Alhaji Dauda confirmed that management is working diligently to meet the December target. He affirmed that the company will not compromise regulatory standards despite the urgency. He stated, "We are not in a haste to complete, but rather, we are in a haste to do the right thing to complete." This commitment ensures environmental responsibility alongside operational goals. The refurbishment of processing tanks cost about GHS 6 million. An additional US$440,000 was invested to raise and extend the walls of the existing tailings facility. These investments address the aging equipment and immediate capacity needs.
The successful completion of TSF2 will remove a major operational constraint. It will allow Sankofa Gold Mine to operate closer to its full production capacity. This expansion is vital for the mine's long-term financial health and its contribution to the local economy. The mine has already engaged about 150 community youths through graduate trainee and casual employment programmes. Further expansion is expected to create additional job opportunities, benefiting the surrounding communities. This aligns with the Minister's call for increased employment and economic development.
The Minister welcomed management's plans to diversify operations for improved long-term sustainability. He also expressed optimism about a new board complementing management and staff efforts. Mr. Nelson stressed that lessons from past difficulties must guide the new leadership. He urged Sankofa to "tell a good story, even a better story, going forward." This signifies a push for consistent, stable, and profitable operations. The mine's ability to maintain production directly impacts Ghana's overall gold output and export revenues. This makes its operational stability a key economic indicator.