Azumah Resources apologises to ECOWAS Bank over mining dispute misrepresentation

Azumah Resources Ghana Limited has issued an apology to the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) over what it described as the “unwarranted and inaccurate inclusion” of the Bank’s name in public discourse surrounding its ongoing mining dispute with Engineers & Planners (E&P).

In a statement released on Sunday, 13 July 2025, Azumah clarified that while EBID had been engaged in preliminary discussions, suggestions of the Bank’s firm involvement in the matter were both misleading and unauthorised.

“For the avoidance of doubt, representatives of Azumah Resources and E&P visited EBID’s offices in Lomé, Togo, in 2023 to assess the Bank’s capacity and willingness to support the transaction,” the statement noted.

“EBID expressed indicative interest, contingent on its internal credit appraisal and Board approval.”

The company cautioned that any extrapolation or public interpretation beyond this context was “inappropriate and unauthorised.”

The clarification comes amid heightened media interest and public commentary regarding the impasse between Azumah Resources, an Australian-owned company, and E&P, a Ghanaian engineering and mining firm. The Board of Directors of Azumah also used the opportunity to distance itself from statements made by Mr Bright Simons, a prominent social commentator, regarding the matter.

“While we acknowledge Mr Simons’ constitutional right to express personal views on matters of public concern, we wish to categorically state that Mr Bright Simons does not represent, act on behalf of, or speak for the shareholders or directors of Azumah Resources Ghana in any capacity,” the statement said. “His public commentary constitutes his personal opinion and should not be construed, implied, or interpreted as reflective of the official position, intentions, or legal standing of Azumah Resources or its shareholders.”

Azumah Resources reiterated that it is currently engaged in confidential, good-faith negotiations with E&P, with both parties seeking a “constructive and mutually acceptable resolution.” These negotiations, the company said, are being conducted in line with applicable laws, commercial norms, and under the supervision of the relevant regulatory and ministerial authorities.

“In accordance with the directive of the Honourable Minister responsible for the sector, and in a bid to safeguard the sanctity of the ongoing process, we respectfully call upon all media houses, analysts, commentators, and third parties to exercise discretion and refrain from speculative or misleading reportage,” the company stated.

Azumah concluded by reaffirming its “unwavering commitment to a professional, transparent, and responsible resolution of this matter,” and said it remains fully aligned with the national interest and the interests of all stakeholders involved.

Stakeholders were encouraged to direct all enquiries through the official contacts for accurate and timely information.

Media Contacts

Ghana Media and Stakeholder Enquiries:
Mr John Kaku Mason
Aide to the Chairman, Azumah Resources Ghana
Spokesperson for the Shareholders
Tel: +233 20 681 6867

International Media and Strategic Communications:
Mr Tom Stewart-Walvin
Associate Director, Rostrum
(Azumah International Media Representative).

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