Bobby Banson, lawyer for Engineers and Planners (E&P), has dismissed claims of irregularities surrounding the takeover of Azumah Resources’ Black Volta and Sankofa concessions, insisting the transaction followed due legal processes.
Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Mr. Banson refuted circulating documents—including one on Azumah Resources’ letterhead but signed by a representative of a London-based PR firm—stating they carried no legal weight.
“It must be a named officer of the company before such a statement can be ascribed to Azumah,” he said.
He added that Azumah Resources’ ownership details had been verified at the Registrar of Companies, showing the firm was registered with GH₵26,000 capital—well below the $1 million foreign ownership threshold—indicating Ghanaian ownership.
“This shows the company is owned by a Ghanaian, otherwise such registration would not have been possible,” he noted.
Mr. Banson further confirmed that E&P has both the technical and financial capacity to develop the assets, emphasizing that the acquisition was transparent and unopposed.
“They followed due process, and there was no objection letter from the Minerals Commission. All legal requirements have been fulfilled by E&P,” he said.
On concerns about Azumah’s outstanding debts, he explained that E&P was ready to engage with creditors and assume liabilities.
“We have taken over all of Azumah Resources’ assets and liabilities. We expect them to make available all relevant documents so we can facilitate payments,” he added.
Regarding speculation of political interference, Mr. Banson dismissed the claims as unfounded.
“This transaction started as far back as 2022, long before this government. If we choose to politicize everything, we will always mark time,” he said.
He also confirmed that E&P had initiated arbitration proceedings, with the opposing side having counter-filed, but expressed confidence in a resolution.
“We are confident a resolution will be found as the process goes on,” he concluded.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
