Azumah Resources (Ghana) Limited has publicly distanced itself from policy analyst and Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, in the wake of growing controversy surrounding its $100 million gold project transaction with Engineers & Planners (E&P).
In a statement dated Sunday, July 13, the Australian-owned company clarified that Mr. Simons does not represent the firm, its shareholders, or its directors in any capacity, and that his recent commentary on the matter should be treated strictly as personal opinion.
The clarification follows heightened public attention and media analysis of a dispute over the Black Volta Gold Project in Ghana’s Upper West Region—an asset previously held by Azumah and acquired by E&P, a wholly Ghanaian-owned firm led by businessman Ibrahim Mahama.
Signed in October 2023, the deal was initially hailed as a landmark step toward empowering local ownership in the mining sector.
However, shareholder disagreements and allegations of political interference have clouded the transaction, leading to legal action and public commentary, including remarks by Mr. Simons which Azumah now disavows.
“While we acknowledge Mr. Simons’ constitutional right to express personal views on matters of public concern, we wish to categorically state that: Mr. Bright Simons does not represent, act on behalf of, or speak for the Shareholders or Directors of Azumah Resources Ghana in any capacity,” the statement said.
“His public commentary constitutes his personal opinion and should not be construed, implied, or interpreted as reflective of the official position, intentions, or legal standing of Azumah
Resources or its Shareholders.”
Azumah confirmed that it is currently involved in confidential negotiations with E\&P to resolve the ongoing impasse. The company emphasized that talks are taking place in good faith and in line with legal and regulatory procedures under the supervision of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
In an apparent response to Mr. Simons’ assertions about the involvement of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Azumah also expressed regret over what it described as the “unwarranted and inaccurate” reference to the bank in the public narrative.
“The public and media to rely solely on authorized spokespersons for any statements or official positions concerning Azumah Resources.”
“We further wish to express our regret to the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) over the unwarranted and inaccurate inclusion of the Bank’s name in public discourse surrounding this matter.”
Azumah, for its part, reiterated its commitment to a “professional, transparent and responsible” outcome and urged media houses, analysts, and civil society groups to refrain from speculative reporting that could jeopardize the resolution process.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
