Former UN governance advisor Prof Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has weighed in on concerns over the potential acquisition of the Damang diamond mine by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, stressing that familial ties to the presidency should not hinder Ghanaian participation in national industries.

Speaking on Joy News’ The Pulse on Thursday, March 26, Prof Agyeman-Duah welcomed the move by a Ghanaian to take ownership of the mine.

Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over what it describes as a potential conflict of interest involving President John Mahama and his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, particularly in relation to the latter’s reported interest in acquiring the Damang Mine.

On fears of undue influence due to Ibrahim Mahama being the president’s brother, Prof Agyeman-Duah stressed that the key issue is compliance with the law.

“If Ibrahim needs to do it, it must be done transparently and according to all legal procedures. The fact that he is the president’s brother should not automatically disqualify him,” he said.

He recalled past controversies involving property acquisitions by relatives of political leaders, noting that the focus should always be on legal adherence and transparency.

“Once all the laid-down rules are followed, we shouldn’t be concerned about who owns the mine. What matters is that more Ghanaians take initiative in managing our country’s resources,” he said.

Prof Agyeman-Duah urged Ghanaians to take greater initiative in managing the country’s natural resources.