Ibrahim Mahama thanks former President Akufo-Addo for support in Damang Mine acquisition
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Ibrahim Mahama, Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners, expressed gratitude to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his assistance in the company's acquisition of the Damang Mine concession. Speaking at the official takeover ceremony on April 18, 2026, Mahama detailed the extensive process that led to the transfer of the mine from Gold Fields Ghana Limited to Engineers and Planners. He noted that discussions began in 2022 when Gold Fields announced plans to cease operations, prompting negotiations for an orderly handover. Mahama highlighted the government's crucial role in advancing these talks, specifically acknowledging former President Akufo-Addo's support in the engagement process. He stated that the former President provided a document to facilitate negotiations with Gold Fields to ensure the mine's continued operation. Mahama also mentioned that the government helped streamline discussions, leading to an agreement for the concession transfer through regulatory and licensing channels. He emphasized that the deal was not merely a business transaction but also aimed at building local capacity in large-scale mining in Ghana. Engineers and Planners conducted thorough technical and financial evaluations, including a bankable feasibility study and securing funding from international and local financial institutions, with one bank providing 650 million and another 600 million.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadPresident John Dramani Mahama urged ECOWAS member states to deepen cooperation, maintain dialogue, and move beyond policy commitments to effectively implement regional decisions that improve citizens' lives. Speaking at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Sierra Leone, President Mahama highlighted peace, economic transformation, technology, youth empowerment, and democratic governance as central to building a stronger West African community. He commended Sierra Leone for hosting the summit and for its solidarity with Ghana after recent floods. President Mahama also praised ECOWAS for initiating the construction of an Ultra-Portable Logistics Depot in Lungi to strengthen emergency response and support the ECOWAS Standby Force. He emphasized that the ECOWAS Compact, with its pillars including peace and security, sustainable economic transformation, and democracy, provides a roadmap for the region's future, stressing that stability is essential for economic progress and combating threats like terrorism. He called for continued engagement among ECOWAS member states and other partners, and for increased investment in science, technology, and innovation. President Mahama noted that citizens demand tangible benefits beyond elections, such as accountability and employment. He concluded by stating that while ECOWAS has achieved significant milestones, the priority is now the effective implementation of decisions to deliver results for
Dr. Jones Opoku-Ware, a Ghanaian criminologist and lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, attributes the rise in drug abuse among Senior High School students to identity crises and peer group influence. He states that many young people enter secondary school lacking a strong sense of self, making them susceptible to peer pressure and substance abuse. Dr. Opoku-Ware explains that families are primarily responsible for providing children with a sense of identity and belonging, but many parents are failing in this role. This void is often filled by peer groups that offer acceptance, sometimes initiating individuals into drug use. He emphasizes that peer pressure is particularly strong during secondary school as adolescents seek to define themselves. Dr. Opoku-Ware suggests that strengthening family support systems and fostering a strong sense of identity in children from an early age could reduce their vulnerability to peer influence and drug abuse.
A viral video featuring Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party NPP, has resurfaced following his sentencing for illegal mining. On Monday, July 20, 2026, an Accra High Court sentenced Wontumi to 20 years in prison after finding him guilty of charges related to illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid. In the resurfaced video, Wontumi is seen challenging former President John Dramani Mahama regarding illegal mining, asserting that Mahama could not stop him or affect Akonta Mining's operations. He claimed to have built a successful business empire and dared Mahama to confront him, stating, "It is time Mahama becomes afraid of me. I am unstoppable." Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay delivered the sentence, concluding a high-profile illegal mining prosecution. Wontumi was found guilty on six counts, including assigning mineral rights without approval and facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contravening the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 Act 703.