Support Ghanaian Success: Otumfuo Dismisses Critics of Ibrahim Mahama’s Damang Mine Deal | Discuss Ghana

On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, issued a strong message of support for the formal takeover of the Damang Gold Mine by Engineers and Planners (E&P), owned by Ibrahim Mahama.

The King’s remarks serve as a direct rebuttal to the Minority in Parliament and other critics who have characterized the deal as "state capture" due to Ibrahim Mahama’s familial ties to President John Dramani Mahama.

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Otumfuo’s Message to the Critics

During a briefing at the Manhyia Palace following the official award of the lease, Otumfuo emphasized the importance of fostering indigenous industrial giants:

Capacity Over Politics: The King argued that the focus should remain on the technical and financial capability of the firm rather than political affiliations. He noted that E&P has been the primary contractor at Damang for years and "knows the ground" better than any foreign entity.

Indigenous Excellence:

“We should be proud when a Ghanaian develops the capacity to compete with global giants and win. If a Ghanaian has the $500 million and the machinery to save thousands of jobs, why should we pull him down? We must support our own to succeed so the wealth stays here.” — Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Call for Unity: He urged critics to allow the "National Reset" of the mining sector to proceed without partisan sabotage, stressing that the survival of the 2,000 livelihoods at Damang is more important than political point-scoring.

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The Deal: By the Numbers

The government officially awarded the lease to E&P on Tuesday, April 7, after a competitive tender process:

Metric	Detail
Tender Score	93.15% (Highest among four bidders).
Financing Proof	$505 Million (Exceeded $500M threshold).
Mine Life Extension	10+ Years projected under the new plan.
Annual Production	100,000 – 150,000 ounces of gold.
Job Security	Zero layoffs promised for the 2,000+ workers.

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The Handover Timeline

April 7, 2026: Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources formally approves E&P’s bid.

April 18, 2026: Gold Fields Ghana will officially relinquish control and exit the site.

April 19, 2026: A government-appointed transition team and E&P will assume full operational control.

“This is not about family; it is about the most viable tender. E&P was the only firm that proved they had the half-billion dollars ready to invest.” — Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.