Ghana’s highly anticipated $100 million Black Volta Gold Project may stall if the dispute between Azumah Resources Ltd. and Engineers & Planners (E&P) remains unresolved.
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In a decisive move, Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has given the two companies a seven-day deadline to settle their differences.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 10, the Minister warned that failure to reach an agreement will force the government to take action “in the best interest of the country.”
“I have decided to grant the parties a final period of seven (7) days… Should this period elapse without resolution, a decision shall be taken in the best interest of the country,” the Minister’s directive stated.
The feud threatens the timely launch of Ghana’s first major wholly indigenous gold mining project, located in the Wa-Lawra area.
E&P, owned by Ibrahim Mahama, has acquired financing from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to take over the project, previously held by Azumah Resources, an Australian exploration firm.
While the details of the disagreement remain unclear, it appears centered on the acquisition process and possible operational control.
Public exchanges, press releases, and media commentary have raised tensions, prompting the Minister to call for restraint and constructive engagement.
“I strongly urge all parties to refrain from addressing this matter through the media and instead focus on dialogue,” he added.
To speed up resolution, the Minerals Commission has been tasked with facilitating discussions between both parties. The Commission is also expected to ensure compliance with mining laws and help restart the project without further delays.
If successfully launched, the Black Volta Gold Project could boost Ghana’s gold production, increase local ownership, and create jobs in the mining sector. Ghana remains Africa’s top gold producer, with over 4.2 million ounces produced in 2023.
But the Minister warned that delays caused by corporate conflicts could hurt investor confidence and economic growth.
“This project is too important to be held back by internal wrangling,” he emphasized.
All eyes are now on the two companies, who have until next week to resolve their feud, or face government intervention.
