Accra: President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has defended Engineers and Planners (E and P) over its expanding role in Ghana’s mining sector, asserting that the indigenous mining firm possesses the necessary expertise and experience to manage major gold mines such as Damang and Tarkwa.
According to Ghana Web, Cudjoe made these remarks in a Facebook post, addressing claims that E and P’s recent achievements are attributed to its owner, Ibrahim Mahama, who is the younger brother of President John Dramani Mahama. Cudjoe stated, “E and P is competent to operate Damang. They have been doing so for many years. With world-class management, E and P will do well. E and P can do same with Tarkwa.”
Cudjoe argued that Ghana should not rely solely on foreign companies to control its natural resources, emphasizing that local firms should be given the opportunity to manage and grow strategic national assets. His comments arise amidst controversy surrounding E and P’s acquisition of the Damang mine concession from Gold Fields Ghana, one of the country’s largest gold mining operations. Critics, including some opposition lawmakers, have raised concerns about potential preferential treatment due to Ibrahim Mahama’s familial ties to the President.
These apprehensions led to a petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), with petitioners seeking an investigation into a possible conflict of interest in the concession award process. However, the Minerals Commission has dismissed these allegations, asserting that the process was transparent and adhered to all regulatory requirements.
The Commission highlighted that E and P has been providing mining services at Damang since 2004 and began pursuing ownership of the concession in 2023, prior to the current administration’s tenure. While expressing confidence in E and P’s capability to successfully operate Damang and potentially undertake Tarkwa, Cudjoe advised the company to concentrate on its current operations as it strengthens its position in Ghana’s mining industry.