The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has justified its decision to award the Damang Mining Lease to Engineers and Planners Ltd, revealing that two of the four bidding companies were disqualified at the preliminary stage for failing to meet mandatory requirements.
In a statement issued on April 7, 2026, the Ministry explained that although four firms submitted tenders, only two, Engineers and Planners Ltd and Heath Goldfields Ltd, met the initial documentation criteria set out by the Minerals Commission under the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176).
Vortex Resources Mining Group and Maripoma Mining Services Ltd were ruled non-responsive after failing to provide key documents, including proof of ownership, valid tax and SSNIT clearance certificates, VAT clearance, and evidence of incorporation.
The Ministry stressed that compliance with these requirements was mandatory and non-negotiable.
The two qualifying firms were subsequently subjected to technical and financial evaluation by the Tender Committee.
However, Heath Goldfields Ltd failed to attain the minimum technical score of 80 percent, effectively eliminating it from the final stage of the process.
According to the Ministry, Engineers and Planners Ltd not only satisfied all eligibility criteria but also demonstrated strong financial capacity, meeting the minimum $500 million threshold, as well as the technical expertise required to operate and expand the Damang mine.
The final recommendation by the Tender Committee was approved by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who directed the Minerals Commission to proceed with the necessary steps to formalize the lease.
The Ministry emphasized that the process was conducted transparently and strictly in accordance with regulatory guidelines, adding that the outcome reflects a commitment to safeguarding national interest and ensuring competent management of Ghana’s mineral resources.
CREDIT: Mavis Fantevi
