Accra: The Minority in Parliament has accused businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother to President John Dramani Mahama, of orchestrating state capture in Ghana's mineral sector. They warn that key mining assets and institutions are increasingly falling under his influence just one year into the current administration.
According to Ghana Web, the Minority Caucus, in a press statement read by Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the Ranking Member on the Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, expressed concerns over the developments. They described the situation as a dangerous drift toward state capture that threatens institutional integrity, economic stability, and democratic accountability.
The Caucus cited several instances to support their claims, focusing on Ibrahim Mahama and his company, Engineers and Planners. They pointed to the upcoming handover of the Damang Gold Mine from Gold Fields Ghana to the state, which is scheduled for April 2026, following the non-renewal of the lease and a one-year extension. The Minority criticized the lack of transparency, noting that neither Parliament nor the public have been informed about the incoming operator, financing structure, or operational framework.
The statement raised concerns about the uncertainty faced by workers and contractors regarding their livelihoods and how it erodes investor confidence in a sector where predictability is crucial. Furthermore, the acquisition of the Black Volta and Sankofa Gold Projects by Engineers and Planners was highlighted as particularly troubling. These assets, previously held by Australian-linked companies such as Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd and Upwest Resources, were transferred to Engineers and Planners in September 2025.
The Minority alleged that the transaction occurred shortly after the government took office and was facilitated by significant financing, including a reported US$100 million facility from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, chaired by Ghana's Finance Minister. They claimed the deal was characterized by pressure, intimidation, and coercive leverage, defining it as state capture through state-linked financial power and political influence to reallocate assets to the President's brother.
Opacity was also alleged at Nyinahin, where valuable bauxite deposits are managed under the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation. The Minority noted unexplained changes to lease arrangements and accused a convergence of influence, pointing to key appointments at GIADEC and other agencies with ties to Ibrahim Mahama and Engineers and Planners.
The Minority claimed these individuals and agencies effectively report to Ibrahim Mahama's sphere rather than the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources or Parliament, making him the de facto authority in the sector. They rejected what they termed as 'family monopoly and state capture,' arguing that concentration around one individual undermines competitive fairness and disguises selective empowerment as broad participation.
The statement warned of damage to Ghana's global reputation as a stable investment destination. It cited a drop in the Global Mining Investment Attractiveness Index from 46th to 53rd, reflecting concerns over governance, transparency, and policy uncertainty.
The Minority demanded immediate transparency on the Damang operator, selection process, financing, transition plan, and team, including conflicts of interest, as well as on Nyinahin bauxite decisions, Black Volta and Sankofa transactions, and enforceable conflict-of-interest safeguards across institutions. They vowed to resist what they termed emerging state capture firmly and lawfully.
In conclusion, the release emphasized that a future NPP government would review these transactions, enforce accountability, and reverse arrangements undermining national interest or concentrating resources in privileged hands, reiterating that Ghana's mineral wealth belongs to the people, not any family.