Duration of Damang Mine tendering not an issue — Schandorf

The Media Relations Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has defended the ongoing Damang Mine tendering process.

He asserted that its duration does not invalidate the outcome.

His comment follows public debate over a government-appointed committee’s recommendation for the mine to be taken over by Engineers and Planners (E&P) after the expiry of the current lease.

The Damang Mining Lease, held by Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited, is set to expire on April 18, 2026, following a one-year extension.

Critics have raised concerns over the process, alleging it was rushed and designed to favour President John Dramani Mahama's brother, Ibrahim Mahama, owner of E&P.

However, speaking on Accra-based JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, April 8, Schandorf said focus should be placed on the substance of the report rather than the timeline.

“I do not think that the longevity of the period is consequential to this particular discourse at all,” he said.

He argued that the credibility of the process should be assessed based on the content and thoroughness of the committee’s work.

“The duration is not consequential, really. It is about the substance on the table and what can be immediately verified,” he added.

Schandorf questioned the basis of criticism over timing, noting that what matters is whether due process was followed and properly assessed.

He stressed that the Ministry acted on a thorough understanding of the report before endorsing its recommendations for further action.