….In petition to CHRAJ against Damang deal
A member of the Communication Team of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Emmanuel Senyo Amekplenu, has asked the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to expedite investigations into allegations of conflict of interest involving President John Dramani Mahama in relation to the takeover of the Damang Mine by Engineers & Planners (E&P).
The company, which is owned by Ibrahim Mahama, the President’s biological brother, took over the mine following a competitive bidding process organised by the Minerals Commission under the direction of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Interestingly, the petition did not mention the Akufo-Addo government’s role in the takeover, which dates back to 2023, which was publicly acknowledged by Ibrahim in April this year.
The US$500 million lease takeover followed the exit of Gold Fields Limited, with E&P beating three competing firms in a highly competitive tender process.
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The other companies that submitted bids were Heath Goldfields Ltd, Maripoma Mining Services Ltd and Vortex Resources Mining Group. To secure the asset, E&P reportedly provided documentary evidence of US$505 million in available financing from Stanbic Bank and ABSA Bank.
The handover process for the mine commenced in 2023 during the Akufo-Addo administration, with the then sector minister, Samuel Jinapor, playing an active role. Indeed, businessman Ibrahim Mahama publicly thanked former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for what he described as the former president’s pivotal role in facilitating his company’s takeover of the Damang Gold Mine.
According to Ibrahim Mahama, the former President provided the necessary backing and official documentation, including a “No Objection Letter” to Gold Fields Ghana Limited that enabled E&P to negotiate with the South African company and secure the concession.
However, the John Mahama administration, through the current Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, is preparing to lay the transfer agreement before Parliament for formal ratification. This is in spite of support from many members of the Minority NPP
While the agreement awaits parliamentary approval, industry practices and ongoing government reforms allow E&P to continue operations, protecting thousands of local jobs and safeguarding revenue flows.
Mr Amekplenu, popularly known as “Mayor Senyo”, made the appeal following a petition he submitted to CHRAJ in his capacity as a Ghanaian citizen.
In the petition filed with CHRAJ on May 20, 2026, Mr Amekplenu invoked the investigative powers of the Commission under Article 218(a) of the 1992 Constitution and relied on Article 284 relating to conflict of interest under the constitutional code of conduct.
The former aspirant for the Volta Regional Youth Organiser position of the NPP and regular panellist on Asaase Radio’s Townhall Talk programme stated that his petition raises concerns over possible conflict of interest, abuse of executive influence and the potential use of public office for private family benefit, contrary to Article 284 of the Constitution.
Speaking to Citi News on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Mr Amekplenu disclosed that CHRAJ had acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that investigations had commenced in accordance with due process.
He, however, urged the Commission to conclude the investigations within a reasonable timeframe in the interest of transparency and accountability.
“The case is still within CHRAJ because I tracked it yesterday and noticed that the matter is still under consideration,” he stated.
“I do not want to push them by imposing timelines. They should operate within their own procedures, but the public is watching. For the public not to begin forming their own conclusions, it would be proper for the Commission to come out with its findings promptly to serve the interest of accountability and transparency,” he added.
Mr Amekplenu further called on Parliament to suspend any ratification processes linked to the matter until CHRAJ completes its investigations.
“If anything goes wrong, Parliament will be held responsible by the citizens of this country because the same citizens elected them into office. They must act as watchdogs and ensure that the property of this country is protected,” he stressed.
The controversy surrounding the Damang Mine takeover has generated intense public and political debate in recent weeks, particularly over questions regarding transparency, governance and the role of politically exposed persons in major state-linked transactions.
Earlier this month, Mr Amekplenu was appointed Spokesperson to the NPP’s Housing and Urban Development Committee ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Confirming the appointment in a Facebook post, he expressed gratitude to the leadership of the party and the NPP’s 2024 Presidential Candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
“I am honoured to serve as Spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party (NPP: Development in Freedom) Housing and Urban Development Committee,” he wrote.
“My profound gratitude to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the party leadership for the trust and confidence reposed in me. I remain fully committed to the cause of the party and to working tirelessly with my colleagues towards a stronger NPP and victory in 2028,” he added.
The petitioner also cited the alleged funding of Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s medical trip by Ibrahim Mahama, as well as the alleged use of Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet by the President and other senior government officials, arguing that such developments raise serious concerns regarding conflict of interest and executive influence.
According to the petition, the complaint is “premised on serious concerns of conflict of interest, abuse of executive influence, and the possible use of public office for private family advantage contrary to Article 284 of the Constitution”.
The petition further states: “I am informed and verily believe that the takeover process received approval from Cabinet. It is a matter of public record and constitutional fact that Cabinet is chaired by the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, whose biological brother, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, is alleged to be the beneficiary of the said transaction.”
Suggesting direct presidential involvement in the transaction, the petition further stated on its second page: “It is also not in dispute that the said transaction received the tacit approval of the Cabinet, which is ordinarily chaired by the President. Indeed, in February 2025, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, publicly asserted that Cabinet decisions are ultimately taken by the President upon the advice of Ministers who constitute Cabinet.”
Based on these claims, the petitioner is asking CHRAJ to commence “a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the approval and takeover process”.
He further requested the Commission to obtain and review all Cabinet memoranda, minutes, recusals, declarations of interest and related correspondence connected to the transaction.
The petition also called on CHRAJ to “investigate the circumstances surrounding the provision and use of the private jet allegedly belonging to Mr Ibrahim Mahama for presidential, vice-presidential and official travels, including whether any public funds, concessions, benefits, or reciprocal arrangements are connected thereto”.
It further urged the Commission to “determine whether constitutional or ethical breaches occurred”, “recommend appropriate sanctions or remedial measures where violations are established”, and “take any further steps necessary in the public interest and in furtherance of constitutional accountability”.
