Ibrahim Mahama outlines ambitious blueprint to transform Damang enclave

Ibrahim Mahama unveiled an ambitious development agenda on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the official handover ceremony of the Damang Mine in the Western Region, declaring that the takeover of the mine will serve not only as a mining venture but as a catalyst for infrastructure transformation, community development, and a bold demonstration of Ghanaian capacity in large-scale resource management. He announced, "We've applied for that mine to have an airport. And within six months, Damang will have an airport such that we can fly to Accra easily from there." He also stated, "In the next two years, we'll be able to drive from here to Cape Coast on a concrete road or an asphalt road. This is not political talk, this is real talk."

The Damang Mine has now officially transitioned from Gold Fields Ghana Limited to E&P following a competitive bidding process supervised by government authorities after the expiry of the previous lease agreement. The symbolic transfer was performed by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who called on E&P to make significant investments in the Damang Mine to drive growth and deliver benefits to local communities and the wider country. He pointed out the transition represents more than a change of operators, describing it as a strong signal of Ghana's capacity to manage its natural resources. He stated, "Engineers and Planners, you are not just taking over a mine; you are carrying a nation's confidence. This is only a leasing right, not a sell-off. The Republic of Ghana remains the owner of this mineral asset. This lease will be reviewed when its term expires."

Mr. Mahama clarified that Gold Fields said in 2022, "We're going to close the mine, and we want you to take over." He explained that Gold Fields wanted to sell the mine to him, but he said,