Ghanaian President John Mahama is facing allegations that his administration has favored the business interests of his younger brother, Ibrahim Mahama, in a series of mining-sector decisions that have sparked concerns among investors and opposition figures.
The controversy centers on Engineers & Planners (E&P), a mining and construction company wholly owned by Ibrahim Mahama. Critics claim that recent regulatory reforms and disputes involving major mining assets have disproportionately benefited the company as the government pursues policies aimed at increasing local participation in Ghana’s lucrative gold industry.
Opposition politicians, foreign investors, and some industry analysts argue that the government’s push for greater Ghanaian ownership of mineral resources has created opportunities for politically connected local firms. They point to E&P as the only Ghanaian company so far to have benefited directly from recent regulatory changes aimed at strengthening local involvement in the mining sector.
The Mahama administration has strongly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that its reforms are intended to ensure that Ghanaian citizens derive greater value from the country’s natural resources. Officials maintain that the measures are transparent and aimed at promoting national economic interests rather than benefiting specific individuals or companies.
Investor Concerns Deepen
Investor concerns have intensified amid ongoing legal disputes involving major international mining firms. South African mining company Gold Fields is currently involved in legal proceedings linked to its Tarkwa and Damang operations, while London-based mining investor INIHC and Singapore-backed Ibaera Capital are engaged in an arbitration battle with E&P and Azumah Resources over the Black Volta gold project.
The Black Volta project is regarded as one of Africa’s largest undeveloped gold assets, and the dispute centers on competing claims over ownership and development rights.
E&P has rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. The company insists that no foreign investor has been deprived of assets through government action and maintains that Ghana remains open to legitimate investment opportunities.
Opposition figures, however, continue to criticize the government’s mining policies. Wisdom Gomashie, co-head of the opposition New Patriotic Party’s mining committee, described the new mining regulations as an “outright land grab,” arguing that they lack transparency and could damage Ghana’s reputation among international investors.
Ghana remains Africa’s largest gold producer and one of the world’s leading gold-producing nations, making developments in its mining sector closely watched by both domestic stakeholders and global investors.
