Legal Representative for Engineers and Planners, Bobby Banson, has refuted claims that the company has acquired or shown interest in Ghana’s Nyinahini Bauxite Project.
Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Mr. Banson clarified that neither the company nor its owner, Ibrahim Mahama, is involved in any bauxite-related operations in the country.
“It is not true. He has no interest; he is not a contractor there,” Mr. Banson stated, responding to widespread speculation.
He further explained that all bauxite leases in Ghana are currently under the control of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation, and have not been allocated to any private company.
The clarification is expected to reopen the field for other local firms interested in Ghana’s bauxite industry, particularly the Nyinahini project. Reports suggest that several indigenous companies had previously held back from pursuing opportunities due to assumptions that Engineers and Planners had already secured the concession.
The company, however, has recently made headlines in the gold sector after winning a bid to take over the Tarkwa Damang Mine from Gold Fields, whose lease is set to expire this year.
Ghana holds significant bauxite reserves, largely concentrated in the Western and Eastern Regions. The Awaso area alone is estimated to contain about 60 million metric tonnes of the mineral. Nyinahini is believed to host the country’s largest deposit, with reserves estimated at 700 million metric tonnes, while approximately 160 million metric tonnes are located in the Kyebi area.
Industry observers say clarity on ownership and access to these deposits is crucial to attracting investment and advancing Ghana’s integrated aluminium industry agenda.
