Northern Ashanti Mines: Kwakye Ofosu challenges Kpebu, Bentil over alleged financial interests, demands proof of government interference

Share on Twitter Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has challenged lawyers Martin Kpebu and Kofi Bentil over their involvement in the Northern Ashanti Mines Limited controversy, questioning their financial interests in the company and rejecting allegations of political interference in the termination of its mineral rights.

In a heated media discussion, Mr Kwakye Ofosu accused the two lawyers of advocating for the mining company while publicly demanding the dismissal of Minerals Commission Chief Executive Officer Isaac Tandoh.

He argued that their relationship with Northern Ashanti Mines was relevant to assessing their criticisms of the regulator, particularly their calls for Mr Tandoh’s removal.

“Martin and Kofi both have taken up commission,” he alleged, prompting objections and questions about the nature of the arrangements.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu subsequently referred to what he described as a success-fee arrangement, maintaining that Mr Kpebu had acknowledged an arrangement of that nature.

“At least Martin has confirmed,” he stated, adding that the arrangement described was what he considered a success fee.

He stressed that there was nothing inherently wrong with representing or advocating for a company, but insisted that such interests should be made clear to the public.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu also challenged suggestions that politically connected individuals were behind an alleged attempt to take over the company’s mining operations.

He demanded specific evidence to support claims involving unnamed persons close to government, arguing that serious accusations could not be justified by speculation or unverified statements.

“When you say people close to government, what do you mean?” he questioned, adding that “you do not put that thing out if you are unprepared to back it.”

Responding to references to allegations reportedly made by a traditional leader, including the mention of an individual identified as Alfred Mahama, Mr Kwakye Ofosu insisted that repeating another person’s allegation did not establish its truth.

He criticised what he described as a growing tendency to circulate allegations against public officials without independently verifying them.

Turning to the Minerals Commission’s actions, the government spokesperson rejected suggestions that the regulator was required to publish every document supporting its decisions on social media.

He maintained that the Commission, as a statutory institution, had established procedures for justifying its decisions and could be required to produce evidence before a competent court.

According to him, Northern Ashanti Mines was entitled to challenge the termination through legal proceedings, but public criticism should not be used to discourage regulatory enforcement.

“It is imperative that we also don’t use emotional blackmail to freeze regulatory bodies and state institutions into inaction,” he stated.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu nevertheless acknowledged that the Minerals Commission remained subject to Ghanaian law and that any unlawful conduct by state officials must be addressed through the appropriate legal processes.

He further rejected suggestions that the government was pursuing a policy of taking over privately operated mines, citing President John Dramani Mahama’s stated commitment to increasing Ghanaian participation in the mining industry.

Referring to a separate dispute involving Adamus Mines, he said the President had directed that the company be given one year to regularise its operations following concerns about regulatory breaches and outstanding obligations.

He explained that the intervention was intended to provide an opportunity for compliance, rather than guarantee an automatic transfer of operational control.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu also supported investigations into alleged violations of individuals’ rights, including injuries or deaths arising from enforcement operations, insisting that unlawful conduct would not be tolerated.

The exchanges come amid mounting controversy over the Minerals Commission’s termination of Northern Ashanti Mines’ mineral rights.

At a press conference on October 29, 2026, Minerals Commission CEO Isaac Tandoh defended the decision, alleging that the company had accumulated approximately US$8.38 million in unpaid statutory fees despite repeated notices and opportunities to remedy the breaches.

The Commission also disputed the company’s reported claim of paying US$1 million, maintaining that its records showed payments totalling only US$300,000.

Northern Ashanti Mines has challenged the termination in court, while questions surrounding the legality of the enforcement measures remain contested.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu maintained that the dispute must ultimately be resolved through evidence and due process, insisting that allegations of political interference and improper regulatory conduct should be substantiated rather than used to generate public pressure.

His position was that while individuals and businesses must be protected against unlawful state action, statutory institutions must equally be allowed to discharge their responsibilities within the law.

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