The Minerals Commission has rejected allegations of favouritism in the awarding of the Damang mining lease to Engineers and Planners Limited, insisting that the process was transparent, competitive, and fully compliant with established regulations.
The decision has generated public debate, with some stakeholders questioning the fairness of the process. However, the Commission maintains that strict procedures were followed and that the outcome was based solely on merit.
According to the Acting Director of Legal Affairs, Josef Iroko, four companies submitted bids under a competitive tender opened to qualified entities. Following a detailed evaluation, Engineers and Planners Limited emerged as the only bidder that met all the technical, financial, and regulatory requirements outlined in the tender documentation.
Mr Iroko explained that the assessment process involved a comprehensive review of each bid against clearly defined benchmarks, including financial strength, technical expertise, operational plans, and compliance with Ghana’s mining laws. He emphasised that the rigorous screening ensured that only the most qualified applicant was selected.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Tuesday, April 7, he dismissed claims of bias, stating that the evaluation committee conducted its work impartially. “The process has been outlined in the regulations. The minister published the notice and clearly indicated the criteria every bidder was required to meet,” he said.
He further stressed that the committee operated without prejudice. “The committee went into this work without regard to anybody’s last name,” he noted, adding that the process was guided by the Tender Notice Guidelines issued by the minister in accordance with Regulation 258 of the Minerals and Mining Licensing Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176).
The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing Ghana’s mineral resources, assuring the public that all procurement processes adhere strictly to the law.
