Vice-President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has inaugurated the Newmont Ahafo North Gold Mine in the Ahafo Region, marking the official commencement of operations expected to produce between 275,000 and 325,000 ounces of gold annually over the mine’s 13-year lifespan.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Afrisipakrom in the Tano North Municipality, was attended by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Mr Tom Palmer, Chief Executive Officer of Newmont Corporation.
Together, they joined the vice president to cut the ribbon and unveil a plaque to formally open the mine.
A new phase for Ghana’s mining sector
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the traditional authorities and residents of the Ahafo area for their cooperation, which she said ensured peaceful completion of the project.
She expressed appreciation to the Asantehene for his mediation efforts in maintaining harmony among stakeholders during the project’s development.
The Vice-President acknowledged the challenges confronting Ghana’s mining industry but maintained that the government was determined to promote responsible mining and environmental stewardship.
She praised the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, for his leadership in combating illegal mining, while also commending the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for initiating nationwide reclamation of degraded lands.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang disclosed that the government was preparing to launch a national reclamation initiative that would involve the cultivation of economic tree species to restore vegetation in mine-affected areas.
Beyond gold output — development and integrity
Prof Opoku-Agyemang stressed that the success of the Ahafo North Mine should not be measured solely by the amount of gold extracted but also by the social and economic transformation it brings to surrounding communities.
“As we witness a world-class mine, we must remember our shared duty of managing the nation’s resources with integrity — translating this into schools, hospitals, and meaningful development for our people,” she said.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang revealed that Ghana’s gold industry contributed $88.1 billion to GDP in 2024 and had already added $11.2 billion by August 2025, underscoring its vital role in the economy. Ghana, she noted, remains Africa’s largest gold producer and the sixth largest globally.
Partnership and investment
The Vice President lauded Newmont for investing over $1 billion in the Ahafo North Mine and for supporting the government’s infrastructure agenda, including the reshaping of the 46-kilometre Sunyani-Atronie highway.
The Vice-President said she hoped the company would continue to support road development and community infrastructure projects.
“This mine is a partnership for progress,” she said. “It will create jobs, stimulate local business, and enhance living standards for the people of Ahafo.”
Responsible mining and community development
Newmont CEO Tom Palmer described the Ahafo North Mine as a symbol of long-term partnership and investment in Ghana’s future.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible mining, environmental protection, and community development, noting that the mine would generate significant employment and government revenue.
“As we developed Ahafo North, we ensured our workforce reflected the local community,” he said, pledging continued collaboration with traditional authorities and stakeholders.
Govt commitment to sustainability
Mr Armah-Buah, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, reiterated that responsible mining was crucial to environmental sustainability and urged all stakeholders to uphold ethical mining practices.
He lamented the ongoing destruction of forests and water bodies by illegal mining and assured that the government was implementing policy reforms and stricter enforcement to address the menace.
Newmont’s enduring partnership
Newmont Ghana’s Country Manager, Mr Danquah Addo-Yobo, said the Ahafo North Mine goes beyond extraction — representing the company’s enduring commitment to sustainability, job creation, and national development.
“This mine stands as proof of what partnership and shared responsibility can achieve,” he said.
With its commissioning, the Ahafo North Mine joins Newmont’s growing footprint in Ghana, further strengthening the country’s reputation as a mining powerhouse and signalling a new phase of growth built on collaboration, transparency, and sustainability.
