'Give Ghana’s gold to Ibrahim Mahama, not foreign companies' – NPP’s Abronye

NPP Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC

New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has backed greater Ghanaian ownership of the country’s mineral resources, arguing that Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers & Planners has delivered more development at Damang than Newmont has achieved in the Ahafo area over the past 20 years.

Abronye said the performance of Engineers & Planners demonstrates the potential of indigenous businesses to manage the country’s mineral resources while ensuring that more of the economic benefits remain in Ghana.

He argued that entrusting more of the country’s gold resources to capable Ghanaian investors could help create jobs, support local communities and improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

The remarks mark a notable shift in Abronye’s position on Ibrahim Mahama’s business interests, particularly his involvement in the mining sector.

Abronye disclosed that he was among those who opposed the involvement of Ibrahim Mahama’s business interests in the Nyinahin bauxite concession in the Ashanti Region, a controversy that generated political and legal debate in 2017.

At the time, he challenged the mining lease granted to Exton Cubic Group Limited, which had engaged Engineers & Planners to undertake prospecting activities at Nyinahin.

His latest comments therefore contrast with his earlier opposition to Ibrahim Mahama’s mining interests, as he now points to the development undertaken by Engineers & Planners at Damang as evidence of the capacity of Ghanaian businesses to contribute to the sector.

The comparison between Engineers & Planners and Newmont has also brought renewed attention to the developmental impact of large-scale mining companies on communities that host their operations.

The debate centres on whether Ghana can derive greater benefits from its mineral wealth by increasing indigenous participation and ensuring that mining activities translate into employment, infrastructure and sustained community development.

Engineers & Planners formally took over the Damang Mine in April 2026 after a competitive selection process following the expiration of the previous mining lease held by Gold Fields.

Ibrahim Mahama has since outlined infrastructure and community development plans for the mine, including improvements in transportation, healthcare and recreational facilities.

Abronye’s endorsement, despite his previous criticism of Ibrahim Mahama’s business interests, adds another dimension to discussions about Ghanaian ownership of strategic mineral assets.

His position suggests that the contribution of companies to national development should be a key consideration in determining who manages the country’s mineral resources.