Accra: The member of parliament for Abura Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has firmly denied allegations suggesting that President John Dramani Mahama influenced the awarding of the Damang Mine lease to Engineers and Planners (E and P). Ofosu emphasized that President Mahama deliberately distanced himself from the decision-making process due to his brother's involvement in the company.
According to Ghana Web, President Mahama recused himself from Cabinet discussions regarding the lease to avoid any potential conflict of interest associated with businessman Ibrahim Mahama and E and P. Ofosu, speaking on Joy News' PM Express, highlighted that the President was actually a significant impediment to E and P's acquisition of the concession.
Ofosu clarified that President Mahama did not participate in the Cabinet meeting where the Damang Mine lease was discussed. He noted that ethical considerations and the need to prevent any public perception of bias guided the President's decision to step aside. The Vice President chaired the meeting in President Mahama's absence.
He further explained that Cabinet was informed by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources about the upcoming expiration of the Damang mining lease and the government's decision not to renew it under existing terms. Ofosu stressed that Cabinet insisted on a competitive bidding process rather than directly awarding the lease to E and P.
Ofosu reiterated that President Mahama consistently avoided involvement in the deliberations and adhered to the collective decisions made by Cabinet. He also mentioned that Parliament would have the chance to scrutinize the lease agreement during the ratification stage.
He defended the integrity of the Cabinet discussions, stating that ministers expressed their opinions freely and without reservation, ensuring a rigorous debate rather than a predetermined decision.