Goldfields Tarkwa Appoints First Female General Manager: A Historic Milestone

In a groundbreaking move, Goldfields Ghana Limited has appointed Engineer Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor as the General Manager of its Tarkwa Mine in the Western Region. This appointment marks a historic moment in Ghana’s mining industry, as Mrs. Kuupol-Kuutor becomes the first Ghanaian woman to assume this prestigious position.

Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor is a mineral engineer with nearly two decades of experience providing metallurgical technical services to Ghana’s mining communities. In an industry where men predominantly hold leadership roles, her achievement is nothing short of remarkable. Her appointment as General Manager at the Tarkwa mine is a testament to her expertise and dedication to the field.

Before her promotion to General Manager, Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor served as the first female Metallurgical Manager at Goldfields West Africa, overseeing both the Tarkwa and Damang mines. Her journey in the mining industry includes various roles, such as Unit Manager and Metallurgical Superintendent at the Damang mine. Prior to that, she gained practical experience at Golden Star Ltd’s Wassa mine, where she worked as a laboratory metallurgist, shift foreman, senior plant shift supervisor, and International Cyanide Management Code coordinator.

Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor’s rise to the top demonstrates that women can excel in any role within the mining sector. She believes that hard work, perseverance, and diligence are essential for reaching great heights. In addition to her personal success, she is committed to grooming other women in mining, encouraging them to aspire to leadership positions. To further support women in the field, she established the “Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor Award” through the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT). This award recognizes outstanding female students and encourages them to pursue careers in mining.

Goldfields Ghana has made significant strides in gender representation. As of 2023, the company’s core workforce includes 12% women, and female representation in management has improved to 19%. Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor’s appointment adds to this positive trend, inspiring other young female engineers and metallurgists to aim for the top.

Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor’s appointment as the first female General Manager at Goldfields Tarkwa is a historic moment for Ghana’s mining industry. Her leadership and dedication pave the way for more women to break barriers and contribute to the growth and success of the sector. Catherine Kuupol-Kuutor’s achievement is truly inspiring, and her commitment to empowering women in mining is commendable. As Ghana’s mining industry continues to evolve, her leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.