Minority to Petition CHRAJ Over Ibrahim Mahama, Damang Mine Deal and Private Jet Use

The Minority in Parliament has announced plans to petition the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate businessman Ibrahim Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners, over their involvement in the takeover of the Damang Mine.

The petition will also address concerns surrounding the use of a private jet owned by Ibrahim Mahama by President John Dramani Mahama, which the Minority claims raises potential constitutional and ethical questions.

Addressing journalists in Parliament on Thursday, March 26, members of the Minority Caucus expressed strong reservations about what they described as irregularities in the process used to select an investor for the Damang Mine. According to them, the procedure lacked transparency, fairness, and adherence to due process.

The Minority argued that the outcome of the selection process appeared to have been predetermined, rather than the result of a genuinely competitive and merit-based system.

“The Minority will not accept the government’s characterisation of this process as competitive. What we see is a winner being arranged and not selected,” they stated.

Citing provisions of the Constitution, the caucus referenced Article 287(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which allows any individual or group to petition CHRAJ to investigate alleged violations relating to public office conduct and conflict of interest.

They further indicated that the planned petition would likely involve collaboration with civil society organisations, professional bodies, and concerned citizens to ensure a comprehensive review of the issues at stake.

According to the Minority, both the Damang Mine transaction and the use of the private jet represent “two manifestations of the same constitutional breach,” suggesting concerns about possible conflicts of interest, abuse of office, or lack of transparency in public decision-making.

The Damang Mine, a significant gold mining asset in Ghana, has been at the centre of recent discussions regarding ownership, investment, and operational control. The controversy surrounding its takeover has intensified political debate, with calls for greater accountability in the management of the country’s natural resources.

The planned CHRAJ petition is expected to further heighten scrutiny of the matter, as stakeholders await an independent investigation to determine whether any laws or constitutional provisions have been breached.