Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has refuted claims of state capture concerning President John Mahama and the Damang Mine deal, asserting that the President ethically recused himself from all Cabinet discussions involving his brother, Ibrahim Mahama’s interests. The controversy centers on allegations by the Minority that Ibrahim Mahama influenced decisions at the Minerals Commission and was positioned to take over the Damang mine.
Presidential Recusal Amidst Conflict of Interest Concerns
Speaking on the program PM Express, Kwakye Ofosu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Abura Asebu-Kwamankese, detailed the President’s actions during the Cabinet’s consideration of the Damang mining lease.
“When the Lands and Natural Resources Minister brought the matter to Cabinet for consideration, the President recused himself. He did not sit in that meeting,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
The decision to step aside was a deliberate ethical choice, according to the government spokesperson. “He believed that it was an ethical thing to do because we did not want the situation where it would appear that he was superintending decision-making involving an entity that his brother had an interest in,” he explained.
In the President’s absence, Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur chaired the critical Cabinet meeting. This move aimed to ensure transparency and prevent any perception of undue influence on the proceedings.
Cabinet’s Stance on Competitive Bidding
Contrary to the Minority’s claims of a predetermined outcome, Kwakye Ofosu revealed that Cabinet insisted on a competitive process for awarding the mining lease.
“Cabinet insisted that a competitive process be used to select which company gets it,” he emphasized.
He contrasted this approach with past practices, suggesting that previous administrations might have awarded such leases without a competitive tender. “As was the case in times past, government could simply have handed over to E&P without any competitive process, but Cabinet insisted that the competitive process be used,” Kwakye Ofosu added.
This insistence on a competitive process, he argued, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to fairness and due diligence, even when family interests are involved.
Rejection of State Capture Narrative
Kwakye Ofosu vehemently rejected the Minority’s narrative of state capture and presidential influence.
“He was not part of the decision-making and did not stampede the process,” Kwakye Ofosu stressed, reiterating the President’s consistent recusal from any deliberations on the matter.
The President reportedly recused himself every time the Damang mine lease issue was brought before Cabinet, underscoring his commitment to ethical governance.
The Cabinet discussions themselves were described as robust and transparent. “The debate at Cabinet that day was rigorous. People voiced their views frankly, without fear or favour,” the spokesperson disclosed.
Ministers were free to express their opinions under the Vice President’s leadership, ensuring that the decision-making process was not a mere formality. “There was no rubber-stamp decision,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Kwakye Ofosu pointed out that all legal and parliamentary processes must still be concluded before the lease is finalized, indicating that the process is ongoing and subject to further scrutiny.
He concluded by stating that President Mahama was, in fact, the primary obstacle to E&P’s potential acquisition of the Damang mine, directly contradicting the claims that he facilitated it. “So if you say that the President handed over to his brother, that’s simply untrue,” he declared.
Future Watch: Transparency in Resource Allocation
The ongoing debate highlights the critical importance of transparency and ethical conduct in the allocation of national resources, particularly in the mining sector. As the Damang Mine lease process continues, stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure adherence to all regulations and to verify the integrity of the competitive bidding process. The government’s commitment to ethical decision-making, even when potential conflicts of interest arise, will be a key factor in maintaining public trust and ensuring fair resource management moving forward.
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