Abronye Hails Ibrahim Mahama’s Damang Achievements, Compares E&P’s Progress to Newmont’s Record

Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has praised businessman Ibrahim Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), for what he describes as their development achievements at the Damang Gold Mine in Ghana’s Western Region.

Abronye argued that the development associated with E&P at Damang has surpassed what foreign mining company Newmont has delivered to its host community in Kenyasi over approximately 22 years of operations.

Speaking on Ohia TV Online, the NPP regional chairman said the reported progress at Damang had changed his assessment of Ibrahim Mahama’s contribution to the mining sector.

“If we’re to be truthful, Ibrahim Mahama has done better for Damang in terms of development than Newmont has done for Kenyasi in their twenty-two years of operation,” he was quoted as saying.

His comments have reignited discussions about local participation in Ghana’s mining industry and whether greater opportunities for indigenous companies could help ensure that more of the country’s mineral wealth benefits its citizens.

E&P took over the Damang Mine in April 2026 following a competitive selection process after the previous lease held by Gold Fields expired. The government has described the transition as part of efforts to increase Ghanaian participation in the mining sector while maintaining operations and protecting jobs.

Abronye argued that giving capable Ghanaian entrepreneurs greater opportunities to manage mineral resources could encourage local investment, create jobs, support infrastructure development and retain more economic benefits within the country.

He also acknowledged his previous opposition to Ibrahim Mahama’s business interests in connection with the Nyinahin bauxite concession controversy in 2017, marking a notable shift in his public assessment of the businessman’s mining activities.The remarks are particularly noteworthy given Abronye’s position within the opposition NPP and Ibrahim Mahama’s relationship with President John Dramani Mahama.

However, the comparison between E&P’s development activities at Damang and Newmont’s record in Kenyasi represents Abronye’s assessment and has not been independently established through a comprehensive comparison of the companies’ community investments.

The debate highlights continuing questions about how mining companies should be evaluated, including their contributions to local infrastructure, employment, healthcare, education and long-term community development.

Abronye’s comments have added momentum to calls for greater Ghanaian ownership of strategic mineral assets and renewed scrutiny of the benefits mining communities receive from companies operating in their areas.

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