Accra: President John Dramani Mahama recused himself from a critical Cabinet meeting regarding the transfer of operational control of the Damang Mine, according to Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu. This decision was made as the government considered granting operational control to Engineers and Planners Limited, following the expiration of the mining lease held by Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of Gold Fields.
According to Ghana Web, the Government of Ghana officially transferred control of the Damang Mine to Engineers and Planners on April 18, 2026. The firm, founded by Ibrahim Mahama, who is the brother of the President, is a Ghanaian-owned entity. This transfer aligns with the government's initiative to increase local ownership of strategic mineral assets and boost Ghanaian involvement in large-scale mining operations.
Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that President Mahama's recusal was intended to ensure transparency and prevent any perception of a conflict of interest. He confirmed that the President was not part of the Cabinet deliberations to maintain the integrity of the decision-making process. "President Mahama recused himself from the Cabinet meeting that considered E and P's Damang Mine takeover," Kwakye Ofosu stated in a report by myjoyonline.com on May 14, 2026.
The government has reiterated that the transfer of the Damang Mine to Engineers and Planners was a result of a competitive bidding process, where the local firm emerged as the top bidder, as assessed by the Tender Committee. Kwakye Ofosu further noted that the President's decision underscores the administration's dedication to accountability, allowing the Cabinet to address matters impartially.