Minister orders Engineers & Planners, Azumah Resources, to quash gold mine feud within 7 days

The future of Ghana’s highly anticipated $100 million Black Volta Gold Project hangs in the balance as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a stern ultimatum to the two companies embroiled in a dispute over its acquisition.

In a press release issued today, July 10, Mr Buah ordered Azumah Resources Limited as well as Engineers & Planners (E&P) to resolve their differences amicably within seven days, warning that failure to do so will result in a governmental decision “in the best interest of the country”.

This directive injects a new level of urgency into a dispute that threatens the timely commencement of what is slated to be Ghana’s first large-scale, wholly indigenous gold mining operation.

READ ALSO: National Engineers & Planners defends $100m Azumah gold mine acquisition, dismisses political claims

The Black Volta Gold Project, a significant venture valued at $100 million in financing from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for its acquisition by E&P, has been hailed as a landmark in Ghanaian-led participation in the extractive sector.

The minister’s statement, addressed to both companies, explicitly acknowledged “earlier correspondence” and “various press releases and public statements” that have circulated concerning the dispute.

This suggests a growing public awareness and potential concern over the impasse, which could derail a project championed for its potential to drive local ownership and economic development.

“I have decided to grant the parties a final period of seven (7) days within which to resolve the matter amicably. Should this period elapse without a mutually agreed resolution, a decision shall be taken in the best interest of the country,” Mr Buah’s statement read, underscoring the government’s determination to see the project proceed.

While the specifics of the dispute between Azumah Resources and E&P have not been fully detailed in the minister’s release, it is understood to revolve around the acquisition process and potentially lingering claims or operational aspects related to the Black Volta Gold Project.

Azumah Resources, an Australian gold exploration and development company, has historically held significant interests in the Wa-Lawra region of Ghana, where the Black Volta Project is located.

E&P, a prominent Ghanaian-owned engineering and construction firm led by Ibrahim Mahama, President John Dramani Mahama’s brother, entered the scene with its ambitious acquisition plans.

The Minister’s firm stance also included a direct appeal for restraint: “I strongly urge all parties to refrain from addressing this matter through the media and instead focus on constructive dialogue and responsible engagement.”

This suggests that the dispute may have already spilt into the public domain through various channels, potentially complicating resolution efforts.

To facilitate a swift resolution, the Minister has directed the Minerals Commission, Ghana’s mining sector regulator, to “facilitate and support the parties in resolving their difference in order to ensure the timely commencement of the project.”

The Minerals Commission is mandated to advise the government on mineral policy and ensure compliance with mining laws and regulations.

Their involvement is crucial in mediating such high-stakes disputes.

The Black Volta Gold Project is expected to significantly boost Ghana’s gold output and local content in the mining sector.

Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer, with an annual output exceeding 4.2 million ounces in 2023. Projects like the Black Volta are seen as vital for increasing value retention within the country, fostering job creation, and strengthening the national economy.

Delays in such projects due to corporate disputes can have significant economic ramifications, impacting investor confidence and revenue projections.

All eyes will now be on Azumah Resources and Engineers & Planners over the next seven days to see if they can reach a mutually agreeable settlement.

Failure to do so would trigger direct intervention from the Ministry, with potentially far-reaching implications for the future of the Black Volta Gold Project and the companies involved.

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