Major gold mining project enters development phase in Ghana’s Upper West region

A major gold mining initiative in Ghana’s Upper West region has officially entered its development phase, signaling renewed momentum for a project long in the making.

• Construction of the Black Volta Gold Mine has been initiated, advancing a long-anticipated mining project in Ghana's Upper West region.
• The project has secured funding from existing shareholders and begun preparatory work, overcoming delays caused by litigation and contractor disputes.
• The company is collaborating with government bodies, including the Environmental Protection Authority and the Minerals Commission

Azumah Resources Ghana Limited has launched the full-scale construction of its Black Volta Gold Mine in Ghana’s Upper West region, marking a new phase for a project that has undergone years of preparatory work and experienced recent delays.

The indigenous company, backed by both local and foreign investors, confirmed it has secured funding from existing shareholders and has begun preparatory work at the Kalsegra site.

With infrastructure development and civil works now underway, the company is moving forward with its mining operations.

In collaboration with regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission, Azumah is working to meet all necessary requirements for the project’s rollout.

Professor Prince Ofori Amponsah, who leads the company’s operations in Ghana, described the transition into construction as a significant milestone after years of exploration.

The project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs during the construction phase, with additional permanent roles when operations begin. Job opportunities will include roles in logistics, catering, power generation, and agriculture.

Setbacks resolved as Azumah moves forward

The company had initially planned to start construction in July 2024, but it was delayed due to litigation and unresolved contractor obligations. It had earlier parted ways with its previous contractor, Engineers & Planners Co. Ltd., over delays in delivering civil works.

Project Director Rob Ciccini stated that the failure to meet civil works obligations led to legal disputes and arbitration proceedings.

Following the breakdown in timelines, Azumah ended its engagement with the contractor and is proceeding independently.

According to Ciccini, despite those challenges, the project has made substantial progress, supported by the continued commitment of its shareholders.

Azumah has not disclosed the total value of the investment or the projected gold output. However, Ciccini noted that the project is focused on creating sustainable livelihoods and advancing responsible mining practices in cooperation with local communities.

As construction continues, the company expressed appreciation for the support of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the Minerals Commission, and traditional authorities.

A formal groundbreaking ceremony is expected to be announced in coordination with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Fathia Olasupo

Read More