The Minority Caucus on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee has raised concerns over the bid by Engineers and Planners Company Limited to acquire the Damang mining lease, citing possible conflict of interest and lack of transparency.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament yesterday, the Ranking Member on the Committee, Kwame Ampratwum Sarpong, alleged that the involvement of the company, owned by Ibrahim Mahama, brother of John Dramani Mahama, raises ethical and constitutional concerns.
He further claimed that the President’s use of Mr Mahama’s private jet for official travels created a perceived conflict of interest in decisions relating to the lease.
Mr Ampratwum Sarpong described the situation as “state capture” and called for transparency in the bidding process for what he termed a major national asset.
He said the Damang mine, valued between $600 million and $1 billion, must be subjected to a fair and competitive process to protect national interest.
The Ranking Member also questioned actions by Engineers and Planners, including reported plans to invest $1.2 billion in Damang and Tarkwa, mobilisation of heavy equipment, and the securing of a $205 million financing facility.
According to him, these developments suggested prior knowledge of the outcome of the bidding process.
The Minority has, therefore, called for the immediate publication of all bidding documents and the disclosure of beneficial ownership of all entities involved.
They also demanded the recusal of any Minerals Commission official with links to the bidding firms and a halt to all pre-award activities pending a transparent tender process.
Additionally, the Minority is calling for a full parliamentary briefing before any contract is awarded and has indicated plans to refer the private jet matter to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
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