Was Mahama in office when Gold Fields recommended E&P for Damang takeover? — Kwame Anthony to critics

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, Julius Kwame Anthony, has dismissed claims that political influence informed the recommendation of Engineers and Planners (E&P) for the Damang Mine takeover.

His remarks come after sections of the public raised concerns of alleged “state capture” following a government-appointed committee’s recommendation for E&P to take over operations of the Damang Mine after the expiry of the current lease.

Critics have argued that the decision was influenced by the relationship between E&P’s owner, Ibrahim Mahama, and President John Dramani Mahama.

However, speaking on Accra-based Joy Prime TV on Friday, April 9, Kwame Anthony stated that a recommendation had earlier been given by Gold Fields itself before the current administration assumed office.

“Gold Fields indicated to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources that they were exiting the shores of Ghana… and that they recommend Engineers and Planners because they have the technical capacity,” he said.

He questioned claims of political interference, arguing that the timeline of events makes such allegations untenable.

“At the time that letter was written, who was president? You can answer… how did then opposition leader John Dramani Mahama influence Gold Fields to recommend Engineers and Planners?” he added.

Kwame Anthony stressed that E&P’s inclusion in the process is based on its long-standing technical capacity in large-scale mining operations.

He further argued that the company’s track record over the years demonstrates consistency regardless of changes in political leadership.