Damang Mining Lease Approval Raises Transparency Concerns

The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) has questioned the rapid approval of the Damang mining lease. Engineers and Planners Ltd. received the lease within two hours of a Tender Committee recommendation.

Patrick Stephenson, NRGI Country Manager, said this speed is unusual. He believes it raises transparency concerns. Ghana's mineral licensing involves many checks. Mr. Stephenson wants assessment data published. This would improve accountability.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources stated the approval followed a strong tender process. The Tender Committee recommended Engineers and Planners Ltd. as the best bidder. This was based on their technical skills, financing, and plans to make the mine last longer. Out of four companies, only two met the basic rules.

The Ministry has asked the Minerals Commission to complete all steps to make the lease official. It said the Damang mine will keep helping Ghana’s economy.