LANDS AND MINERALS WATCH GHANA CONDEMNS MINORITY LEADER’S ATTEMPTS TO POLITICIZE THE DAMANG LEASE PROCESS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lands and Minerals Watch Ghana (LMWG) has taken note of recent comments and calls by the Minority Leader and sections of the Minority Caucus regarding the Damang Mine lease transition process.

While we fully support transparency, parliamentary oversight, and accountability in the management of Ghana’s natural resources, we are deeply concerned by what increasingly appears to be a deliberate attempt to politicize a sensitive national economic matter and create public distrust without presenting any concrete evidence of wrongdoing.

The Damang lease process is a matter governed by law, regulatory procedure, and constitutional oversight. Ghana’s mining sector cannot become hostage to partisan sensationalism and premature political accusations designed to score political points rather than protect the national interest.

We find it troubling that before the full facts, agreements, and parliamentary processes are exhausted, the Minority Leader has already sought to frame the issue around conflict of interest narratives and public suspicion instead of allowing state institutions to function independently and lawfully.

Lands and Minerals Watch Ghana wishes to state clearly that:

1. The mere participation of a Ghanaian-owned company in a strategic mining process does not automatically amount to corruption or impropriety.

2. Calls for accountability must be grounded in verifiable facts and evidence, not political rhetoric and media speculation.

3. Parliament retains the constitutional authority under Article 268 of the 1992 Constitution to scrutinize and ratify mineral agreements where necessary, and that process should be allowed to proceed without undue political intimidation.

4. Ghana must encourage responsible indigenous participation in the extractive sector while maintaining transparency, competitiveness, and investor confidence.

We caution political actors against creating unnecessary panic around Ghana’s mining investment climate. Reckless commentary and unsubstantiated allegations have the potential to damage investor confidence, undermine ongoing operations, threaten jobs, and weaken Ghana’s reputation as a stable mining jurisdiction.

LMWG therefore calls on the Minority Leader and all political stakeholders to approach the Damang matter with restraint, responsibility, and respect.

National discourse on our mineral resources must be guided by facts, patriotism, and the national interest, not political theatrics.

Signed,

Kwame Owusu Danso, Esq.

Executive Director,

Lands and Minerals Watch Ghana (LMWG)

Accra, Ghana