Ibrahim Mahama’s Mining Operations Bringing Development to Damang – Yandoh

According to GhanaWeb on Saturday, October 24, 2026, former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Communications Director Paul Yandoh has praised Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama for what he describes as the positive impact of his mining operations on development in Damang and its surrounding communities in the Western Region.

Yandoh’s comments come months after Engineers and Planners (E&P), the indigenous Ghanaian mining company owned by Ibrahim Mahama, took over operations at the Damang Gold Mine. His remarks have drawn attention to the importance of ensuring that mining activities contribute to the development of host communities and improve the living conditions of residents.

According to reports, Yandoh expressed his satisfaction with the development activities he observed in Damang, particularly road construction linked to the mining area. He reportedly made the observations while travelling to attend a funeral in Akwatia in the Eastern Region.

His comments suggest that the benefits of mining should not be measured solely by the amount of gold extracted or the revenue generated by companies. Instead, mining operations should also be assessed by their contributions to infrastructure, employment opportunities and the general welfare of people living in communities where natural resources are found.

Yandoh’s remarks also highlight the growing public interest in Ibrahim Mahama’s management of the Damang Mine and the development commitments announced when his company took over the facility.

The handover took place on April 18, 2026, following a competitive bidding process overseen by the government after the previous operator’s lease expired. The transition marked an important moment for Ghana’s mining industry, as a locally owned company assumed responsibility for a major gold-mining operation previously managed by Gold Fields Ghana Limited.

During the handover ceremony, Ibrahim Mahama outlined plans to support development across Damang and neighbouring communities. His proposals included road construction, healthcare facilities, sports infrastructure and an airport intended to improve connectivity between the mining area and Accra.

He also expressed his intention to ensure that the benefits generated by the mining operation would extend beyond the company itself and contribute to the progress of the surrounding communities.

Mahama stressed that his vision went beyond extracting gold, explaining that he wanted the project to demonstrate the ability of Ghanaian businesses to manage major industrial investments while contributing to national development.

One of the key commitments announced was the proposed construction of artificial football pitches in communities around the mine. The initiative was intended to provide young people with better sporting facilities and create opportunities for recreational activities.

The proposed road projects are also expected to improve transportation and make it easier for residents and businesses to move goods and access essential services. However, the long-term impact will depend on how the announced projects are implemented and completed.

Beyond infrastructure, the mine has also outlined initiatives intended to support community development and create sustainable economic opportunities.

In a related development reported on October 22, 2026, Damang Gold Mine announced plans to channel proceeds from commercial crops grown on rehabilitated mining land into a foundation account to support development projects in host communities. The initiative includes the reclamation of land for commercial agriculture, including oil palm cultivation, with the aim of creating jobs and supporting livelihoods beyond mining activities.

These initiatives reflect growing recognition of the need to connect mining operations with long-term community development, particularly in areas where residents live alongside major natural-resource projects.

Yandoh’s praise for Ibrahim Mahama has also renewed discussion about the responsibility of companies operating in Ghana’s mining sector to ensure that local communities benefit from the resources extracted from their land.

For many residents of mining communities, improved roads, employment opportunities, healthcare services and access to better facilities remain important measures of development.

Although the projects announced by E&P have generated expectations, their overall impact will become clearer as the company continues its operations and translates its commitments into completed projects.

For now, Yandoh’s comments have added to the public conversation surrounding the future of Damang and the role of Ghanaian-owned businesses in the country’s economic development.

As Ibrahim Mahama’s company continues to manage the mine, attention will remain on whether its operations can deliver lasting improvements in infrastructure, employment and living conditions for residents of Damang and surrounding communities.

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