CHRAJ petitioned to investigate conflict of interest in Azumah Resources takeover

A private citizen, Dennis Frimpong, has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate what he describes as a potential conflict of interest, abuse of office and improper executive influence involving President John Dramani Mahama, his brother Ibrahim Mahama, and the reported takeover of Azumah Resources.

In a petition dated June 15, 2026, and addressed to CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Whittal, Frimpong called for a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the mining company, arguing that the transaction smacks of constitutional and governance breaches.

According to the petitioner, the takeover was allegedly facilitated through a financing arrangement linked to the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), reportedly valued at approximately $100 million.

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Frimpong contends that the financing arrangement warrants scrutiny because Ghana's Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who was appointed by President Mahama and whose brother is alleged to be a beneficiary of the transaction, serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors of EBID.

“This petition is necessitated by growing public concern over what appears to be a deeply troubling convergence between political power, executive authority, state-influenced financial structures and private commercial interests involving persons closely connected to the highest office of the Republic,” portions of the petition stated.

According to Frimpong, the circumstances surrounding the acquisition create the perception of a conflict between public office and private business interests, which must be examined independently.

The petitioner further questioned whether presidential influence may have played a role in the transaction, citing reports regarding President Mahama's use of the presidential jet and the alleged involvement of state-linked financial institutions in the takeover arrangement.

He argued that if established, the allegations could contradict Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution, which requires public office holders to avoid situations that create conflicts between their personal interests and official duties.

“The allegations, if established, strike at the very heart of constitutional governance, accountability, transparency and public confidence in Ghana's democratic and anti-corruption institutions,” the petition noted.

The petitioner is asking CHRAJ to investigate whether there was any abuse of office, preferential treatment, improper influence or conflict of interest in relation to the financing and acquisition of Azumah Resources.

He further urged the Commission to determine whether any public officials breached constitutional or ethical obligations in connection with the transaction.

Frimpong maintains that the investigation is necessary to preserve public confidence in state institutions and ensure that public office is not used, directly or indirectly, to advance private commercial interests.

Read the petition below



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