The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee has raised concerns over a bid by Engineers and Planners Company Limited, owned by Ibrahim Mahama, to acquire the Damang mining lease, citing conflict of interest involving President John Dramani Mahama.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament, Ranking Member Kwame Ampratwum Sarpong argued that the President’s use of Mr Mahama’s private jet for official travel constitutes a constitutional breach and creates a benefit-linked relationship that undermines the integrity of state decisions.
He described the situation as “state capture,” insisting that the overlap between the President’s official duties and his brother’s commercial interests raises serious ethical concerns, particularly as the Damang mine is valued between $600 million and $1 billion in potential revival investment.
Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong further questioned the credibility of the government’s claim of a competitive bidding process, suggesting it only emerged due to sustained public pressure. He pointed to actions by Engineers and Planners—such as plans to invest $1.2 billion in Damang and Tarkwa, deployment of heavy mining equipment, and securing a $205 million financing facility—as indications the company may already be aware of the bid’s outcome.
The Minority has therefore issued several demands, including an immediate halt to the President’s use of the private jet, publication of all travel records involving the jet since January 2025, and full disclosure of the Damang bidding process documentation.
They also called for disclosure of the beneficial ownership of all bidding entities, recusal of any Minerals Commission officials with ties to the bidders, and a freeze on all pre-award mobilisation activities by Engineers and Planners pending a transparent tender process.
Additionally, the Caucus is demanding a full parliamentary briefing before any contract is awarded and has indicated plans to refer the private jet matter to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.
The Minority maintains that without full transparency and accountability, the integrity of the Damang lease process and broader public trust in governance could be compromised.
