Minority ‘Insincere’ Over Criticism of Engineers and Planners’ Darman Mining Concession — Dr. Steve Manteaw

Natural resource governance expert , Dr. Steve Manteaw has described as “insincere” criticisms from the Minority in Parliament regarding the award of the Darman mining concession to Engineers and Planners.

According to Dr. Manteaw, attempts by the Minority to question the credibility and capacity of the indigenous firm are misplaced and risk undermining Ghanaian-owned businesses striving to compete in the country’s extractive sector.

In his submission on Kessben Maakye today, he emphasized that Engineers and Planners has demonstrated proven capacity over the years, both locally and across the African continent.

“The Minority is insincere if they criticize Engineers and Planners for winning the bid,” he stated, noting that the company has successfully executed major mining and construction projects in countries such as Liberia and Uganda.

Dr. Manteaw also dismissed suggestions of political favoritism, pointing out that prominent Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama has secured contracts in Ghana even during periods when his brother was not in political office.

This, he argued, underscores the importance of evaluating companies based on competence rather than political affiliations.

He further highlighted that many of the dominant players in South Africa’s mining industry are indigenous companies, stressing that Ghana must adopt a similar approach by empowering local firms to take leading roles in the sector.

“We must be mindful of politicizing every issue concerning indigenous companies. Instead, we should focus on building their capacity to retain control of our mining sector rather than ceding opportunities to foreign interests,” Dr. Manteaw added.

The Darman mining concession has recently sparked public debate, with critics raising concerns over transparency and due process. However, Dr. Manteaw insists that such discussions must remain objective and grounded in facts to avoid discouraging local enterprise.

His comments add to the ongoing national conversation about local participation in Ghana’s natural resource management and the broader push for economic sovereignty.