Accra: The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Adjei, has called on the government not to renew the mining lease of Gold Fields for the Tarkwa mine, citing recent xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians in South Africa as part of the basis for his position.
According to Ghana Web, in a post shared on X on May 27, 2026, Adjei referenced reported xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other foreign nationals in South Africa, arguing that Ghana should prioritize local companies in the management of its natural resources. He expressed support for Ghanaians affected by these attacks and urged the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources not to renew Gold Fields' lease, emphasizing the importance of local companies taking charge of national resources.
He tagged Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, in his post. The comments contribute to the growing public debate regarding the future of Gold Fields' Tarkwa mining lease, which is set to expire in 2027.
In a related development, Eric Twum, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team, has also advocated for African countries to halt economic engagements with South Africa due to renewed xenophobic attacks. He highlighted the threat such incidents pose to African unity and cooperation, especially when efforts are being made to enhance trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking on Channel One TV's Breakfast Daily, Twum criticized the South African government's response to the attacks and suggested that African nations should cease commercial interactions with South Africa to pressure its authorities into taking decisive action against xenophobic violence.
Ghana has formally petitioned the African Union to address the issue of recurring attacks on African nationals in South Africa during the upcoming Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, reflecting the broader regional concern over the situation.