Azumah Resources Ghana Limited has responded to Engineers & Planners (E&P) in the ongoing dispute regarding the Black Volta Gold Project. The company asserts that the development of Ghana’s next major gold mine should be led by capable, law-abiding partners, rather than those who are unable to meet their obligations.
In a press release dated July 8, Azumah expressed confidence that the government will continue to support this approach, ensuring that investors can invest in Ghana with confidence and not face arbitrary or unfair treatment. The company also expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana for its consistent upholding of the rule of law over the years.
Azumah’s spokesperson, John Mason, reiterated the company’s commitment to Ghana and clarified its stance on the controversial partnership with E&P.
“Azumah Resources is committed to ensuring this project benefits Ghanaians, led by Ghanaians, with partners who are willing and able to build with us. We have a duty to protect Ghana’s resources for the benefit of all. This is about doing right by Ghana and Ghanaians,” he said.
Mason took direct aim at E&P’s performance and credibility in the deal.
“The claims made by E&P in the press are not supported by law or by fact. When we sought to maximise the involvement of Ghana companies, E&P offered to provide more than $250 million in funding, but to date has only managed to provide $4m.”
He emphasised that Azumah has already secured significant financial backing to proceed without E&P. “We are very fortunate to have secured the financial support of international investors that have already developed more than $10 billion of mines globally, and they will support the construction of this mine,” Mason said.
“We will not be distracted by noise. We remain focused on lawful development, on transparency, and on building Ghana’s future.”
Azumah’s Project Director, Rob Cicchini, added that “The future of this project should be in the hands of those who can deliver, not those who cannot.
“A sale to E&P, without a demonstrated ability to fund the full development of the Black Volta Gold Project, would not be in Ghana’s national interest.”
He warned that proceeding with E&P could have disastrous consequences.
“Without that funding, Ghana would suffer. Local communities would suffer. Jobs would be lost. Growth would stall.”
Azumah further clarified that E&P “has yet to provide any formal offer to Azumah either to assist in funding the Black Volta Mine or investing in Azumah,” and currently “does not own any shares in Azumah.”
Reacting to recent media reports, Azumah condemned what it described as misleading public statements by E&P.
“Their statements are visible to mining companies around the world and severely impact their international standing as a Ghanaian company,” the company noted.
While expressing interest in any legitimate offer from E&P, Azumah stated clearly, “We will consider these [media] comments when evaluating any future potential transaction with E&P.”
The company dismissed what it called a “staged event” and called on regulators, investors, and the Ghanaian public to disregard related claims.
“The dispute between Azumah and E&P should be resolved through international arbitration and not through media stunts,” the statement read.
Azumah insists it remains committed to providing accurate information to partners and regulators.
“We remain fully available to our partners, regulators, and the public to provide accurate information. Azumah will pursue all available remedies in the arbitration and reserves all rights to protect its interests and the Black Volta Gold Project.”
By: Abubakar Ibrahim
