Business magnate Ibrahim Mahama has unveiled ambitious infrastructure projects, including the construction of an airport and a major road network, following the takeover of the Damang Mine by his company, Engineers and Planners.
The announcement comes after Engineers and Planners officially assumed control of the Damang concession, marking a significant shift in Ghana’s mining landscape and a boost for indigenous participation in large-scale extractive operations.
Strategic Takeover of Damang Mine
The takeover follows a competitive bidding process supervised by the Minerals Commission after the expiration of the lease previously held by Gold Fields Ghana Limited. Government awarded the concession to Engineers and Planners to sustain production, safeguard jobs, and deepen local ownership in the mining sector.
The Damang Mine, located in Ghana’s Western Region, is one of the country’s major gold-producing assets, with decades of contribution to the national economy.
Airport Within Six Months
Speaking after the official handover, Ibrahim Mahama revealed that plans are underway to construct an airport in Damang within six months. The project is expected to significantly improve accessibility, allowing direct flights between Damang and Accra while enhancing logistics for mining operations.
He emphasized that the initiative is not merely aspirational but part of a concrete development agenda aimed at transforming the area into a modern economic hub.
In addition to the airport, Mahama announced plans to develop a major road network linking Damang to key cities, including Cape Coast. The proposed road, expected to be completed within two years, will improve transportation, facilitate trade, and open up surrounding communities for economic expansion.
Beyond transport infrastructure, the company is also considering community-focused projects such as sports facilities, including astroturfs for local communities. These initiatives are aimed at improving living standards and fostering social development in mining areas.
The Damang takeover is being hailed as a milestone for Ghana’s mining industry, traditionally dominated by multinational corporations. Ibrahim Mahama stressed that the move is an opportunity to demonstrate the capacity of local firms to manage large-scale mining operations while driving socio-economic growth.
Economic Impact and Outlook
The planned airport and road projects are expected to stimulate economic activity, improve logistics, and attract further investment into the Western Region. Analysts say the combination of mining operations and infrastructure development could transform Damang into a strategic economic enclave.
With Engineers and Planners now at the helm, stakeholders are watching closely to see how these promises translate into tangible development, potentially setting a new benchmark for locally driven mining and infrastructure integration in Ghana.
