Nana Akomea, Chairman of the Communications Committee of the opposition New Patriotic Party, has questioned the government’s explanation over the decision to allow Engineers & Planners (E&P), a company linked to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, the president’s brother, to take over the Damang Gold Mine.
According to Akomea, the explanation given by Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu that President John Dramani Mahama recused himself from the cabinet meeting that discussed the matter does not remove concerns about conflict of interest.
In a statement, Akomea argued that Cabinet ministers are appointed by the president and mainly serve in an advisory role.
Because of this, he said it is difficult to separate president Mahama from a decision involving his brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama.
Akomea stressed that his concern is not about whether E&P is capable of operating the mine.
He admitted that the company is Ghanaian-owned and qualified to manage the Damang mine.
However, he accused the ruling National Democratic Congress of applying double standards.
He referred to the controversy surrounding the proposed sale of four SSNIT hotels during the previous administration.
At the time, former Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong was linked to a company that won the bid to acquire shares in the hotels.
The NDC and some civil society groups criticised the deal heavily, describing it as a conflict of interest and an example of “state capture” and “family and friends government.”
The opposition to that transaction eventually led to the suspension of the SSNIT hotel sale after public pressure from organised labour and civil society groups.
Akomea believes the same standard should apply in the Damang mine case because the transaction involves the President’s brother.
He argued that the NDC cannot condemn one situation and defend another that appears similar.
The Damang Gold Mine, previously operated by Gold Fields, has become a major political issue in recent weeks, with debate focusing on transparency, governance and possible conflict of interest concerns as a company linked to the president’s brother takeover.
