Perseus Mining (Ghana) Limited (PMGL) has agreed to release a 70-hectare section of its Ayanfuri Mining Lease to the Government of Ghana. The land will support the government’s Small-Scale Cooperative Mining Scheme, which aims to formalize and grow responsible small-scale mining.
The Ayanfuri Mining Lease lies near the town of Ayanfuri in the Upper Denkyira District of the Central Region. Since 2011, the lease has hosted Perseus’s Edikan Gold Mine, a key contributor to both local jobs and national gold output.
In a statement on Thursday, Perseus explained its decision. The company said it wants to support Ghana’s development goals and promote responsible resource sharing. “We believe in creating long-term value not just for shareholders, but also for communities,” the statement said.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources welcomed the move. Officials said it reflects how large-scale miners can work with the state to support community-focused projects. They added that the release of land for cooperatives would help legalize operations, reduce conflicts, and increase local economic participation.
Meanwhile, chiefs and youth groups in Upper Denkyira praised the decision. They noted that it could create jobs and reduce illegal mining. Local leaders said they are ready to help the government implement the scheme fairly and efficiently.
Government officials will soon allocate the land to approved cooperative groups. Training and regulatory support will follow to ensure safe and sustainable operations.
