The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has strongly defended the ongoing process leading to the takeover of the Damang Gold Mine by Engineers and Planners (E&P), rejecting claims of political interference and conflict of interest.
Speaking on the matter, the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, acknowledged concerns raised by sections of the opposition regarding the composition of the tender evaluation committee and the possibility of undue influence.
However, he maintained that the process was grounded in merit and predates current political developments.
According to him, Engineers and Planners had expressed interest in the Damang Mine as far back as 2022, long before the current political context, and had already been actively involved at the site as a contractor.
He emphasized that any recommendation in favour of the company was based strictly on merit and capacity, not political alignment.
The defence comes amid heightened public debate over the awarding of the Damang mining lease, a major national asset that has been operated by Gold Fields for nearly three decades and is now transitioning into local ownership following the expiry of its lease.
Engineers and Planners, an indigenous Ghanaian mining firm, emerged as the top bidder after a competitive tender process, outperforming other contenders in both technical and financial evaluation, including demonstrating access to over $500 million in funding.
The Damang Mine, located in the Western Region, is one of Ghana’s key gold-producing assets and has contributed significantly to the country’s mining output over the years.
The transition to local ownership is widely seen as part of a broader government strategy to increase indigenous participation in the mining sector and retain greater value within the national economy.
Despite this, critics have questioned the transparency of the process, particularly citing concerns about the involvement of politically connected individuals and the potential influence of the executive.
In response, Mr. Schandorf insisted that the timeline of events and the company’s long-standing involvement in the Damang project clearly demonstrate that the outcome is not politically motivated.
He reiterated that the process followed established procedures and that the final decision reflects the technical strength, financial capacity, and operational experience of the successful bidder.
The Ministry maintains that the Damang transition represents not only a shift in ownership, but also a strategic move towards strengthening Ghanaian control over its mineral resources while ensuring continuity and sustainability in mining operations.
