Damang Mine lease: We're asking for fair process, not against Ghanaian participation - Minority

The Minority has called for greater transparency in the allocation of the Damang mine lease to Engineers and Planners Ltd (E&P). Akwasi Konadu, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Lands and Natural Resources Committee, clarified that the concern is not opposition to Ghanaian ownership of natural resources, but the need to ensure that every eligible individual or company has an equal opportunity to participate, stating, "Nobody in this country as a matter of fact, is against Ghanaian participation or ownership of our natural resources exploration; we are asking for a process that is fair and allows every qualified individual or company to have a chance."

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources awarded the Damang mining lease to Engineers and Planners Ltd (E&P) after a competitive tender process. The Tender Committee recommended E&P as the top bidder based on technical capacity, financial strength and proposals to extend the lifespan of the mine. Of the four companies that submitted bids, only E&P and one other met the mandatory requirements. The Minority has raised concerns that the tender process may have been skewed in favor of Engineers and Planners Ltd, despite the Tender Committee maintaining that the selection was fully compliant with L.I. 2176 regulations. Mr. Konadu also expressed concern about the speed of the recent tender process, which closed on March 31, 2026, and was reportedly reviewed, recommended and approved within a week, including public holidays.

The Ministry has directed the Minerals Commission to complete all regulatory steps to formalise the lease. Mr. Konadu urged the Minerals Commission to ensure all procedures are properly followed and that transparency remains central to the allocation of national resources.