Randgold Denies Atta Mills Campaign Backing

Randgold Resources, a mining concern with interests in Ghana has denied a South African newspaper report suggesting the company has endorsed NDC?s Professor John Atta Mills? campaign.

The Business Day newspaper reported in its Tuesday edition that Brett Kebble, who it described as a Randgold executive has nailed his colours to the mast of the NDC presidential candidate.

It also reported that an Atta Mills victory in the December polls would create a favourable climate for Randgold to seek other mining opportunities in Ghana.

But Rangold?s chief executive, Dr. Mark Bristow, says Brett Kebble could not have been speaking on behalf of Randgold because he resigned as a non-executive director in July last year.

Randgold, one of two companies that put in a bid for Ghana?s Ashanti Goldfields and lost to Anglogold says it has maintained a policy of political neutrality in all countries where it operates.

The South African newspaper had variously referred to Kebble as an executive of Randgold and suggested that the dinner with John Atta Mills at a Cape Town five-star hotel was an endorsement of the NDC leader.

The paper?s analysis is that because the NDC opposed the AngloGold bid, it would have supported that of Randgold and suggesting further that Randgold will have lots to gain from a Mills presidency.

Dr. Bristow however says Kebble?s political dealings have nothing to do with Randgold, adding that his company?s successful businesses have been built on correct and constructive relationships with the various countries and governments.

NDC Communications Director John Mahama who attended the dinner has also expressed surprise at the newspaper?s linking of Brett Kebble to Randgold.

Professor Mills has been in South Africa since last week meeting with various interest groups to discuss his party?s political ideology, NEPAD and according to South African media raise funds for his campaign.

But the Business Day newspaper report says there was no indication that Brett Kebble is bankrolling the Mills campaign.