Honorary Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has described Engineers & Planners’ (E&P) takeover of the Black Volta concessions, operated by Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd, as a matter of significant public interest.

He argued that the scale of the resources involved and the implications for Ghana’s economy demand greater scrutiny and transparency.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, September 13, Mr Simons said:

“This is clearly a public interest deal. We are not talking about a small concession. These are massive gold reserves at a time when the price of gold is over $3,000 an ounce. How this transaction was structured and the manner in which the shares were transferred are matters that affect not only the private parties but the entire nation.”

Mr Simons cautioned that although E&P claims to have the capital and technical expertise to fast-track mining operations, the controversy surrounding the acquisition cannot be overlooked.

He insisted that all transactions in the extractive sector must follow due process to safeguard Ghana’s long-term interests.

The Black Volta concessions have been the subject of protracted disputes and under-investment for nearly two decades.

Now, with global gold prices soaring, E&P’s entry could unlock significant economic value.

However, analysts like Mr Simons warn that without transparency, Ghana risks losing out on the full benefits of one of its most valuable mining assets.