President Mahama dragged to CHRAJ over Damang Mine

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has reportedly been petitioned to investigate President John Dramani Mahama over the takeover of the Damang mine by his brother, business mogul Ibrahim Mahama, by a private citizen, Emmanuel Senyo Amekplenu.

According to a report by thelawplatform.com, Amekplenu, in his petition, has accused the president of a conflict of interest over the decision for Ibrahim Mahama to take over the Damang mine.

He invoked the investigative powers of the Ombudsman under Article 218(a) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and relies on Article 284 on conflict of interest under the code of conduct spelt out under the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana for public officers.

More details of the petition in the report indicated that the petitioner cited the alleged funding of the health trip of the Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyeman, by Ibrahim Mahama and the use of his private jet by the President raises serious issues of conflict of interest because they might have influenced the takeover decision.

“Premised on serious concerns of conflict of interest, abuse of executive influence, and the possible use of public office for private family advantage contrary to Article 284 of the Constitution. I am informed and verily believe that the takeover process received approval from Cabinet. It is a matter of public record and constitutional fact that Cabinet is chaired by the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, whose biological brother, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, is alleged to be the beneficiary of the said transaction," part of the petition is quoted in the report.

Amekplenu also suggested that there is a conflict of interest because President Mahama was allegedly in the meeting where the takeover was approved.

"It is also not in dispute that the said transaction received the tacit approval of Cabinet, which is ordinarily chaired by the President. Indeed, in February 2025, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, publicly asserted that Cabinet decisions are ultimately taken by the President upon the advice of Ministers who constitute Cabinet," the petitioner claimed.

He, therefore, asked the commission to investigate the deal for the takeover to determine whether it was constitutional or not.

Below are the full demands of the petitioner:

“a. Commence a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the approval and takeover process;

b. Obtain and review all Cabinet memoranda, minutes, recusals, declarations of interest, and related correspondence connected to the transaction;

c. Investigate the circumstances surrounding the provision and use of the private jet allegedly belonging to Mr. Ibrahim Mahama for presidential, vice-presidential, and official travels, including whether any public funds, concessions, benefits, or reciprocal arrangements are connected thereto;

d. Determine whether constitutional or ethical breaches occurred;

e. Recommend appropriate sanctions or remedial measures where violations are established; and

f. Take any further steps necessary in the public interest and in furtherance of constitutional accountability."

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