By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada
01/04/2026
The Government of Ghana has officially commenced the process of transferring ownership of the Damang Gold Mine from Gold Fields to Engineers and Planners, concluding months of public debate and scrutiny.
The transition is being led by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, who is heading a national delegation to oversee the formal handover and ensure continuity of operations at one of Ghana’s most significant gold-producing assets.
Officials indicate that the process includes asset verification, operational transition reviews, and compliance checks with environmental and labour standards.
However, the transaction has generated controversy due to the ownership structure of Engineers and Planners, which is linked to a businessman who is the brother of President John Dramani Mahama.
Critics, particularly from the Minority in Parliament, have raised concerns about potential conflict of interest and lack of transparency, questioning whether due process was fully observed.
Government officials maintain that all legal and regulatory frameworks are being strictly followed, emphasizing that the transfer is aimed at strengthening local participation in Ghana’s mining sector.
Commentary | Boakye Stephen
This is not just a mining transaction, it is a governance test. Ghana stands at a crossroads between promoting indigenous ownership and preserving institutional credibility. Without transparency, even legitimate economic decisions risk being perceived as political patronage. In resource governance, perception is as powerful as policy.
