Former Deputy Minister of Trade and former Member of Parliament for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkorah, has slammed what he described as the persistent harassment of indigenous Ghanaian businesses, warning that such actions could undermine economic growth.
Speaking on Ade Akye Abia on Okay FM on April 20, 2026, Ahenkorah defended the business track record of Ibrahim Mahama and commended his company, Engineers and Planners Ltd, for its reported acquisition of the Damang Mine.
According to Ahenkorah, Ibrahim Mahama’s experience in the mining and heavy equipment sector dates back several decades.
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“As far back as 1992, he was among the first people I knew importing heavy-duty trucks for mining operations,” he said.
He added that the businessman has built extensive expertise over the years.
He stressed that the acquisition of Damang Mine should not be politicised, noting that it was undertaken by Engineers and Planners as a corporate entity, not by Mahama in his personal capacity.
“It is well deserved. Granted, he has political links to the president, but the acquisition was done by a company. It will create jobs, so why won’t we encourage such,” he questioned.
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Ahenkorah alleged that many Ghanaian entrepreneurs are relocating their businesses to other West African countries due to what he described as undue harassment from sections of the media and political actors.
“It doesn’t help the country and its economy. Let’s encourage local investments,” he urged.
He recounted Bryan Acheampong attempt to partner with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in managing state-owned hotel facilities under the teunure of the erstewhile Akufo-Addo administration.
He criticised the stiff opposition from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) back then, claiming it stalled progress and left assets underutilised.
“Up till now, the SSNIT hotels are still there deteriorating,” he said.
Ahenkorah argued that large-scale investments like the Damang Mine acquisition have the potential to boost local content, generate employment, and retain profits within the Ghanaian economy.
He further noted that there has been little opposition from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the [Ibrahim Mahama’s] deal, contrasting it with past political resistance to similar initiatives.
“Let’s stop tearing down our own business moguls and rather project them to strengthen our economy,” he added.
VPO
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