NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has made a strong case for indigenous ownership of Ghana’s mineral resources, arguing that Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama has demonstrated a greater commitment to local development than some multinational mining companies.
In a striking endorsement of the businessman, the outspoken New Patriotic Party (NPP) regional chairman claimed that the development undertaken by Engineers & Planners at Damang surpasses what Newmont has delivered in the Ahafo area over the past 20 years.
According to Abronye, the performance of Ibrahim Mahama’s company provides a compelling argument for Ghana to entrust more of its gold resources to capable indigenous investors rather than relying predominantly on foreign mining companies.
He argued that allowing Ghanaian entrepreneurs to control and develop the country’s mineral resources would ensure that more of the economic benefits remain within the country and directly improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
Abronye Revisits His Opposition to Ibrahim Mahama’s Bauxite Concession
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Abronye’s remarks was his acknowledgement of his previous role in efforts to prevent Ibrahim Mahama’s business interests from accessing the Nyinahin bauxite concession in the Ashanti Region.
Abronye disclosed that he was among those instrumental in the opposition to the concession, a controversy that generated considerable political and legal debate in 2017.
At the time, Abronye challenged the mining lease granted to Exton Cubic Group Limited, which had engaged Engineers & Planners to undertake prospecting activities at Nyinahin.
His latest comments therefore represent a significant departure from his earlier opposition to Ibrahim Mahama’s involvement in the mining sector.
Indigenous Ownership Over Foreign Dominance
Abronye maintained that Ghana stands to benefit more when its mineral resources are developed by Ghanaian entrepreneurs with the capacity to invest in local communities, create employment and retain wealth within the national economy.
His comparison between Engineers & Planners and Newmont raises broader questions about the developmental impact of multinational mining companies, particularly in communities that have hosted large-scale mining operations for decades.
The remarks are especially significant coming from a prominent opposition figure who has previously been critical of Ibrahim Mahama and his business interests.
They also bring renewed attention to the debate over local participation, mineral ownership and the extent to which Ghana’s natural resources should contribute to sustainable national development.
A New Debate on Ghana’s Mineral Wealth
Engineers & Planners formally took over the Damang Mine in April 2026, following a competitive selection process after the expiration of the previous mining lease held by Gold Fields.
Ibrahim Mahama has since outlined ambitious infrastructure and community development plans for Damang, including improvements in transportation, healthcare and recreational facilities.
Abronye’s endorsement, notwithstanding their political differences, adds a new dimension to the national conversation about Ghanaian ownership of strategic mineral assets.
His position suggests that, beyond political affiliation, the central consideration should be whether those entrusted with Ghana’s mineral wealth can deliver meaningful and measurable benefits to the Ghanaian people.
