The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament has accused President John Dramani Mahama of presiding over what it describes as a potential conflict of interest involving his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, and a high-value mining concession.
Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee and Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante Mampong, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, alleged that the President’s use of his brother’s private jet for official state travel raises serious constitutional and ethical concerns.
He described the situation as a form of “state capture,” arguing that two developments vis-a-vis the use of the private jet and the reported attempt by companies linked to Ibrahim Mahama to acquire a major gold mine are interconnected.
“These are not separate stories. They are the same story… they present the most serious conflict of interest question to confront any Ghanaian presidency,” he said.
The Minority said the current arrangement allows the President to use the private jet at no direct leasing cost, with the state covering only fuel and landing charges, while all other operational costs are borne by his brother.
The group claims that this constitutes a significant benefit, potentially breaching Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits public officials from placing themselves in situations where personal interests conflict with their official duties.
They further estimate that the waived cost of a single international trip, citing a recent visit to South Korea, could run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“The provision of substantial travel benefits by such a person to the President… is precisely the relationship the Constitution prohibits,” the MP stated.
The Minority also raised concerns about an ongoing process involving the acquisition of what they describe as one of Ghana’s most commercially valuable gold mining assets, allegedly being pursued by companies linked to Ibrahim Mahama.
They argue that the overlap between the President’s official authority and his brother’s business interests creates what they termed “the anatomy of conflict of interest.”
Citing Article 257 of the Constitution, the group emphasised that mineral resources are held in trust by the President for the people of Ghana and must be managed transparently.
The Minority is among others demanding a full disclosure of financial arrangements surrounding the President’s travel, and disclosure of beneficial ownership of all companies involved in the mining bid.
The group is also demanding the recusal of any officials with ties to bidding entities and the immediate suspension of the award process pending parliamentary scrutiny. Enditem
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