The Minerals Commission has rejected allegations of partiality in the award of the Damang mining lease to Engineers and Planners Limited (E&P), insisting that the process was transparent, competitive, and strictly adhered to established regulations.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News on Tuesday, April 7, Mr Josef Iroko, Acting Director of Legal Affairs at the Minerals Commission, directly addressed the concerns. He emphasised that the evaluation committee carried out its work impartially and without bias.
According to Mr Iroko, the evaluation process involved a detailed assessment of each submission against clearly defined criteria, including financial capability, technical expertise, operational plans, and compliance with Ghana’s mining regulations.
“The committee went into this work without regard to anybody’s last name — that is the first thing I want to raise. Secondly, the committee was guided by the Tender Notice Guidelines published by the minister as per Regulation 258 of the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 217),” he explained.
He noted that after a thorough evaluation, Engineers and Planners Limited (E&P) emerged as the only participant that satisfied all the technical, financial, and regulatory requirements outlined in the tender documentation.
Mr Iroko indicated that officials at the Commission maintain that due process was followed at every stage, emphasising that the outcome was based on merit and strict compliance with established guidelines.
The Commission maintains that the rigorous evaluation process ensured that only the most qualified applicant was selected.
“So the process has been outlined in the regulations. The minister published the notice and informed the whole world about the criteria that any bidder must meet,” Mr Iroko said.