Mahama acted right by recusing himself from Damang Mine Cabinet discussions – Senanu

Anti-corruption campaigner and Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, Edem Senanu, has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to recuse himself from Cabinet discussions concerning the Damang Mine issue, describing the move as constitutionally appropriate and ethically responsible.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Thursday, May 14, 2026, Mr. Senanu said the President’s action demonstrated respect for constitutional principles governing conflict of interest involving public officials.

“I think it was the right action. So far, I have not been convinced that there has been any actual conflict of interest,” Mr. Senanu stated.

His comments followed reports that President Mahama stepped aside from Cabinet deliberations relating to the Damang Mine matter because of concerns linked to his brother’s association with Engineers and Planners Company Limited, a company connected to the issue.

Mr. Senanu was responding to questions about whether the President’s recusal suggested the existence of a conflict of interest in the process leading to the award involving the company.

According to him, public discourse around conflict of interest often fails to distinguish between different forms of conflict, namely perceived conflict, potential conflict and actual conflict of interest.

He explained that a perceived conflict may arise from public suspicion or assumptions without evidence of wrongdoing, while a potential conflict occurs when a public official’s participation in a process could eventually create circumstances that compromise impartiality.

“Potential conflict of interest means you are aware that something within the processes, if you are involved in it, could lead to actual conflict of interest, and that’s where the Constitution requires our public officers to avoid even potential conflict of interest,” he explained.

Mr. Senanu noted that Ghana’s constitutional framework encourages public officials to avoid situations that may undermine public trust or create the appearance of compromised decision-making.

He said President Mahama’s decision to remove himself from the deliberations was therefore consistent with good governance principles and constitutional expectations regarding accountability and transparency.

“That is the action that the President appears to have taken, and it is in good stead. I think that the President took the right action if it came before the Cabinet,” he added.

The anti-corruption advocate further stated that, based on currently available information, there is no evidence suggesting that Engineers and Planners Company Limited was unqualified for the contract or did not legitimately meet the requirements for the award.

“But primarily, so far, the evidence provided does not suggest that the bidder did not deserve to win that award, that particular contract,” he said.

The Damang Mine matter has generated public and political discussions in recent days, particularly around issues of transparency, procurement integrity and ethical governance.

Governance experts often argue that recusal by public officials in matters where personal or family interests may arise is an important mechanism for strengthening public confidence in state institutions and decision-making processes.

Mr. Senanu’s comments have added to the ongoing national conversation on ethical leadership, accountability and the management of conflicts of interest in public office.

Observers say the President’s decision could set a significant precedent for how future administrations handle sensitive matters involving potential conflicts within government processes.

The issue is expected to continue attracting public attention as discussions surrounding governance standards, transparency and institutional accountability remain central to Ghana’s democratic development.