Africa Policy Lens (APL), a public policy think tank, has formally requested detailed information from the Minerals Commission regarding the tender process for the Damang Gold Mine. The request, submitted under Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) Act, seeks full disclosure on the award of the mine to Engineers & Planners (E&P).
This formal demand, contained in an 18-point letter dated July 16, 2026, aims to scrutinize every stage of the award process. APL wants to understand how the mining lease was granted, from the initial application to the final agreement signing. The transparency of such significant resource allocations is crucial for public trust and investor confidence in Ghana's economy.
Ghana's mining sector is a cornerstone of its economy, contributing significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings. Past concerns about opaque deals and revenue management have prompted calls for greater accountability. This RTI request aligns with a broader national push for good governance and transparency in resource management, a trend supported by various civil society organizations and international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Dr. Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa, Director of Research, Administration and Partnerships at APL, signed the letter. A copy was also sent to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. This direct approach signals APL's commitment to obtaining answers regarding this high-value mining concession.
The implications of this request are significant for future mining concessions and public sector accountability. A successful disclosure could set a precedent for greater transparency in government dealings, potentially influencing investor perceptions and public confidence in Ghana's regulatory environment. Decision-makers in the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will face pressure to respond comprehensively, as their actions will be closely watched by both local and international stakeholders.
APL's request covers a wide array of documents, including copies of the application for the mine and the Minerals Commission’s official response. They are also seeking all technical, financial, economic, and valuation reports prepared before the public tender announcement on March 24, 2026. This comprehensive demand indicates a thorough investigation into the financial and technical merits of the award.
The think tank is also demanding details on how the tender process was conducted. This includes timelines for bid submission and shortlisting, as well as records showing when bids were presented to the Tender Committee. Understanding the procedural fairness is critical to ensuring that the best possible outcome was achieved for the state.
Furthermore, APL wants to know the composition of the committee and obtain copies of its meeting minutes. They also seek an explanation for why competing bids were unsuccessful. This level of detail aims to uncover any potential irregularities or biases in the decision-making process.
The organization has requested a comprehensive transition report covering the period between April 18, 2025, and April 17, 2026. This report is expected to include production and sales figures, mine reserves, and workforce transition details. Such data is vital for assessing the operational and economic health of the mine during the transition period.
APL is equally demanding documents that informed the decision to grant the mineral rights to Engineers & Planners. This includes access to the recommendation submitted to the Lands Minister and information on the financial institutions that guaranteed the company’s bid. They also want evidence showing whether the Minerals Commission independently verified those guarantees, which is crucial for financial due diligence.
Finally, APL is requesting the full mining lease agreement, including details on its commencement date, duration, royalty and corporate tax rates, and the government’s free carried interest. They also seek information on termination clauses, arbitration provisions, and any option allowing the state to acquire an equity stake in the project. Clarification on how transfer pricing issues will be managed, given E&P's role as a contract mining service provider, is also part of their extensive request. This detailed scrutiny aims to ensure the agreement serves Ghana's best economic interests.