Barely a year into the administration of John Dramani Mahama, the Minority in Parliament is sounding a strong warning—alleging a growing concentration of power and influence in Ghana’s mineral sector linked to Ibrahim Mahama.The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, has raised concerns over what he describes as a pattern of opacity, influence, and potential state capture within Ghana’s mining industry.At the center of the concerns is the impending transition of the Damang Gold Mine, a key national asset expected to revert to state control within weeks. According to the Minority, critical details—including the identity of the next operator, financing arrangements, and operational plans—remain undisclosed.They warn that this lack of transparency threatens jobs, investor confidence, and government revenue, especially at a time when economic stability is crucial.Beyond Damang, the Minority points to developments surrounding the Black Volta and Sankofa gold projects. These assets, now linked to Engineers & Planners—a company owned by Ibrahim Mahama—are cited as examples of what they describe as the growing use of political influence and state-linked financing to control strategic resources.Similar concerns have been raised about the Nyinahin bauxite deposits, managed under Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation, where the Minority alleges unclear lease arrangements and limited public accountability.The statement further highlights what it calls an “emerging pattern” across key institutions in the sector, including the Minerals Commission, MIIF, and the Ghana Gold Board—suggesting a convergence of influence around one private corporate orbit.While affirming support for local content and Ghanaian participation in the mining sector, the Minority cautions against what it terms a “family monopoly,” arguing that national resources must not be concentrated in the hands of a few individuals.They also warn of reputational risks to Ghana, noting that declining investor confidence could impact foreign investment, cost of business, and the country’s standing as a stable mining destination.DEMANDS:The Minority is calling for: • Immediate disclosure of the Damang Mine’s next operator • Publication of the selection and evaluation process • Full transparency on financing and fiscal arrangements • A clear transition and operational plan • Disclosure of all individuals involved and potential conflicts of interest • Clarity on Nyinahin bauxite allocations • Full details on Black Volta and Sankofa transactions • Strong conflict-of-interest safeguards across institutionsHon. Ampratwum-Sarpong maintains that Ghana stands at a critical crossroads—between strengthening transparency and accountability or risking the erosion of institutional integrity.He insists that Ghana’s mineral wealth must serve the people, not private interests, warning that any future government would review and, if necessary, reverse decisions that undermine the national interest.