The Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has urged a recalibration of public discussions surrounding the award of the Damang Mining Lease to Engineers and Planners Ltd (E&P), stressing that greater attention should be placed on the company’s technical and financial capacity rather than perceived political connections.
Speaking on a morning television programme, Mr Schandorf argued that the central consideration should be whether E&P possesses the proven ability to effectively manage and sustain operations at the Damang Mine, rather than the family relationship between the company’s owner and President John Dramani Mahama.
His remarks come in the wake of the Ministry’s approval of the Damang Mining Lease to E&P following what officials described as a rigorous and competitive bidding process.
In a statement issued on April 7, 2026, the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, confirmed that he had accepted the recommendations of a specialised Tender Committee, which identified E&P as the most suitable bidder to extend the mine’s lifespan beyond the next decade.
The decision has since sparked public debate, largely due to the fact that the company is owned by the President’s brother.
Responding to the concerns, Mr Schandorf acknowledged the familial connection but cautioned against allowing it to overshadow the substantive issues at stake.
“It is incontrovertibly true that E&P is owned by the President’s brother,” he said. “However, the more important question is whether the company has the demonstrable capacity to take over and manage the mine effectively.”
He warned that an excessive focus on family ties could distract from more critical considerations and potentially undermine broader national and sectoral interests.
“Dwelling excessively on the familial relationship may, at the end of the day, do a disservice not only to the life of the mine but also to employees and the entire mining ecosystem,” he noted.
Mr Schandorf further emphasized that the long-term sustainability of the Damang Mine should remain the primary concern, with emphasis placed on operational efficiency, investment capacity, and the ability to maintain production throughout the lease period.
“Ultimately, the focus should be on sustainability—who has what it takes to run the mine for the approved period and invest in a way that benefits the economy,” he added.
