Minister Gives Azumah Resources and Engineers & Planners 7 Days to End Gold Mine Dispute

Ghana’s much-anticipated $100 million Black Volta Gold Project faces uncertainty as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a strict seven-day ultimatum to Azumah Resources Limited and Engineers & Planners (E&P) to resolve their ongoing dispute.

In a press release dated July 10, the Minister instructed both companies to settle their disagreements amicably within the specified period. He warned that if the impasse continues beyond the deadline, the government will intervene and make a decision “in the best interest of the nation.”

This directive comes amid a dispute that threatens to derail the launch of what is set to be Ghana’s first fully indigenous large-scale gold mining venture. The project, backed by a $100 million investment from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), represents a significant step for Ghanaian involvement in the extractive sector.

The Minister’s statement referenced earlier communications and public exchanges between the companies, signaling increased public scrutiny of the matter. He emphasized the need for swift, private resolution and discouraged media commentary, urging both parties to engage in productive dialogue.

“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,” the statement read.

Although the details of the dispute remain unclear, it is believed to center on issues related to the acquisition and operational control of the Black Volta Gold Project, located in the Wa-Lawra area. Azumah Resources, an Australian firm with long-standing interests in the region, is reportedly at odds with E&P, a Ghanaian company led by Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former President John Mahama.

To expedite a resolution, the Minister has directed the Minerals Commission to assist both companies in resolving their issues. As the sector’s regulatory authority, the Commission will play a crucial role in mediating and ensuring compliance with mining regulations.

The Black Volta project is expected to increase Ghana’s gold production and enhance local participation in the mining industry. As Africa’s top gold producer, Ghana recorded over 4.2 million ounces in output in 2023. The project is also seen as a key driver of job creation and economic growth.

Prolonged delays due to corporate disputes could threaten investor confidence and national revenue targets. Over the next seven days, attention will be focused on Azumah Resources and Engineers & Planners to see whether they can reach a compromise — or if government intervention will reshape the project’s future.