The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana’s Parliament has accused the Mahama-led administration of engineering a brazen case of state capture to benefit the President’s brother, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, through the controversial Black Volta Gold Project.
Key Allegations
The Minority alleges that the administration is systematically placing former employees of Engineers & Planners (E&P), owned by Mr. Mahama, in strategic regulatory roles to favor the company.
Regulatory Manipulation
The appointment of Sammy Gyamfi, a former E&P spokesperson, as CEO of GOLDBOD, and alleged ties between key figures within the Minerals Commission and E&P, have raised concerns about regulatory capture.
Damang Mines Takeover
The Minority suspects that the government’s abrupt decision to refuse a routine lease renewal for the Damang Mine, operated by Abosso Gold Fields, was a coercive tactic used to benefit E&P.
Parallels with Past Controversies
The Minority drew parallels with the 2016 Exton Cubic saga, in which President Mahama granted his brother’s company mining leases for over 60% of Ghana’s bauxite reserves. These leases were later annulled by the Supreme Court in 2019 for violating both the Constitution and the Minerals and Mining Act.
Call to Action
The Minority has pledged to remain vocal and vigilant against what it describes as “refined but audacious” state capture by the NDC Government. “The land and its resources belong to all Ghanaians, not only those of the ruling political party,” the statement emphasized.
Implications
The situation has significant implications for transparency, public accountability, and national interest. The Minority’s concerns highlight the need for scrutiny and oversight in the country’s extractive sector to ensure that resources are managed in the best interests of all Ghanaians.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com