Minority Petitions CHRAJ Over President’s 'Conflict of Interest

The political temperature in Accra has hit a boiling point today as the Minority in Parliament officially filed a petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). The target? A complex web involving President John Dramani Mahama, his brother Ibrahim Mahama, and the future of the multi-million dollar Damang Mine.

At the heart of the petition is a single, stinging allegation: that the Presidency has blurred the lines between official state business and private family interests.The "Private Jet" Controversy the Minority’s case centers on the President’s recent official travels. According to Ranking Member Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the President has frequently used a private aircraft owned by Engineers & Planners, a company chaired by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama.

While the government has previously defended this as a cost-saving measure for the taxpayer, the Minority argues it creates an "unhealthy indebtedness."

"There is no such thing as a free lunch in high-stakes politics," the petition suggests. "When a head of state becomes a regular client of a private entity owned by a family member, the independence of the high office is compromised."

The Damang Mine Connection
The petition goes deeper than just air travel. The Minority is linking the use of the aircraft to the ongoing selection process for a new strategic investor for the Damang Mine.

Engineers & Planners is reportedly one of the frontrunners in the bidding process. The Minority alleges that the "close-knit relationship" and the "logistical favors" provided to the President give the company an unfair advantage over other bidders.

"What we are witnessing is not a selection; it is an arrangement," Ampratwum-Sarpong told journalists outside the CHRAJ offices. "We are asking CHRAJ to determine if this violates Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution, which explicitly forbids public officers from putting themselves in positions where their personal interest conflicts with their official duties."

The Response from the Majority
The Majority in Parliament has been quick to dismiss the petition as "frivolous and a waste of constitutional time." In a counter-statement, they argued that the President’s brother is a private citizen with a legitimate right to do business in Ghana, and that no laws have been broken. They maintain that the selection process for the Damang Mine is being handled by independent technical committees, not the Jubilee House.

Why This Matters Now
This isn't just about one mine or one jet. With the 2026 election cycle looming, the Minority is using this petition to frame a narrative of "cronyism." For CHRAJ, the pressure is on to prove its independence as it begins its preliminary assessment of the claims.