Omanghana
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has received a petition calling for an investigation into President John Dramani Mahama, his brother and businessman Ibrahim Mahama, and several state officials over the controversial acquisition of interests in Azumah Resources.
The six-page petition, submitted on Monday, June 15, 2026, by private citizen Dennis Frimpong, alleges potential conflicts of interest, abuse of office, and improper executive influence in relation to the transaction. The petitioner is urging CHRAJ to examine whether the conduct of the individuals involved is consistent with Article 284 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which addresses conflicts of interest involving public office holders.
Allegations Raised in the Petition
The petition focuses primarily on the role of Ibrahim Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P), alleging that public office and state resources may have been used in ways that could benefit private interests connected to the President’s family.
Questions Over Financing Arrangements
One of the principal issues raised concerns E&P’s reported acquisition of a US$100 million facility from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
The petitioner argues that the financing arrangement warrants scrutiny because the Chairman of the EBID Board of Governors, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, serves in a position linked to the current administration, raising concerns about a possible conflict of interest. The petition asks CHRAJ to determine whether any improper influence was exercised in connection with the transaction.
Claims of Executive Influence
The petition also contends that because Ghana’s natural resources are constitutionally vested in the President on behalf of the people, any government approvals, Cabinet actions, or state facilitation related to the Azumah Resources transaction should be examined to ensure there was no inappropriate executive involvement.
Private Jet Concerns Revisited
In addition, the complaint revisits previous public discussions regarding President Mahama’s use of a private aircraft owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama.
The petitioner argues that CHRAJ should assess whether the use of the aircraft could create an appearance of a conflict of interest, particularly in light of matters involving mining assets and state decision-making.
Background to the Azumah Resources Transaction
Supporters of the transaction maintain that Engineers & Planners’ involvement with Azumah Resources is a legitimate commercial undertaking that predates the current administration.
According to publicly available corporate records and legal accounts, E&P entered into agreements with Azumah-related entities as early as September 2023, when John Dramani Mahama was still in opposition. The company has also reportedly invested more than US$5.5 million in the mining project and initiated international arbitration proceedings in London in late 2024 to safeguard its commercial interests before the change in government.
Latest in a Series of Mining-Related Complaints
The Azumah Resources petition is the second major mining-related complaint involving the Mahama family to reach CHRAJ within a month.
In late May 2026, the commission indicated that it would begin examining a separate petition submitted by citizen Emmanuel Senyo Amekplenu concerning the reported US$500 million lease takeover of the Damang Mine by Engineers & Planners.
CHRAJ is expected to review the latest submission and determine whether the allegations warrant a full-scale independent investigation. At this stage, the filing of the petition does not constitute proof of wrongdoing, and the matters raised remain allegations pending any official findings by the commission.
Source: Omanghana
