E&P competent to own and operate Damang and Tarkwa mines – Franklin Cudjoe

President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has come to the defence of Engineers & Planners (E&P) over the company's growing role in Ghana's mining sector, insisting that the indigenous mining firm has the expertise and experience to successfully operate major gold mines such as Damang and Tarkwa.

Cudjoe made the remarks in a Facebook post while responding to claims that E&P's recent successes are linked to its owner, Ibrahim Mahama, who is the younger brother of President John Dramani Mahama.

"E&P is competent to operate Damang. They have been doing so for many years. With world-class management, E&P will do well. E&P can do same with Tarkwa," Cudjoe wrote.

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He argued that Ghana should not continue to rely solely on foreign companies to control its natural resources, stressing that local firms must also be given the opportunity to grow and manage strategic national assets.

His comments come amid controversy surrounding E&P's takeover of the Damang mine concession from Gold Fields Ghana, one of the country's largest gold mining operations. Critics, including some opposition lawmakers, have questioned whether the company received preferential treatment because of Ibrahim Mahama's family ties to the President.

The concerns prompted a petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), with petitioners calling for an investigation into a possible conflict of interest in the concession award process.

However, the Minerals Commission has dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the process was transparent and complied with all regulatory requirements.

According to the Commission, E&P has been providing mining services at Damang since 2004 and began pursuing ownership of the concession in 2023, before the current administration assumed office.

While expressing confidence in E&P's ability to successfully operate Damang and potentially take on Tarkwa, Cudjoe advised the company to remain focused on its current operations as it consolidates its position within Ghana's mining industry.



FKA/MA