Abronye Makes U-Turn on Ibrahim Mahama as He Compares Damang Mine to Newmont

The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has thrown his support behind increased Ghanaian ownership of the country’s mineral resources, citing the performance of Engineers & Planners at the Damang Mine as an example of the potential of indigenous businesses.

Abronye argued that Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers & Planners had delivered more development at Damang than Newmont had achieved in the Ahafo area over the past two decades.

He maintained that greater involvement of capable Ghanaian investors in the mining industry could ensure that more of the economic benefits from the country’s mineral wealth remain within the local economy.

According to him, expanding indigenous participation in the sector could generate employment, support communities hosting mining operations and improve the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians.

The comments represent a notable shift in Abronye’s stance on Ibrahim Mahama’s business interests, particularly his involvement in the mining industry.

Abronye acknowledged that he had previously opposed Ibrahim Mahama’s business interests in connection with the Nyinahin bauxite concession in the Ashanti Region, an issue that sparked political and legal controversy in 2017.

During that period, he challenged the mining lease granted to Exton Cubic Group Limited, which had engaged Engineers & Planners to conduct prospecting activities in the area.

His latest position contrasts with his earlier opposition, as he now points to Engineers & Planners’ activities at Damang as evidence that Ghanaian companies can successfully participate in the management and development of the country’s mineral resources.

The comparison with Newmont has also renewed discussion about the contributions of large-scale mining companies to communities surrounding their operations, particularly in terms of infrastructure, employment and social development.

At the centre of the debate is whether Ghana can maximise the benefits of its mineral wealth by giving local businesses a greater role in the industry and ensuring that mining activities produce lasting economic and social improvements for host communities.

Engineers & Planners formally took over the Damang Mine in April 2026 following a competitive selection process after the expiration of the previous mining lease held by Gold Fields.

Since assuming control, Ibrahim Mahama has outlined plans for infrastructure and community development, including improvements to transportation, healthcare and recreational facilities.

Source: https://www.modernghana.com/news/1538319/give-ghanas-gold-to-ibrahim-mahama-not-foreign.html

MrJacobs feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com