A Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Emmanuel Senyo Amekplenu, has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate President John Dramani Mahama over alleged conflict of interest and abuse of office in relation to the reported takeover of the Damang Mine by the President’s brother, Ibrahim Mahama.
The petition, dated May 18, 2026, was filed pursuant to Articles 218(a) and 284 of the 1992 Constitution and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice Act, 1993 (Act 456).
According to the petitioner, the circumstances surrounding the reported acquisition or takeover of the Damang Mine raise “serious constitutional and ethical concerns” regarding the possible use of executive influence and public office for private family benefit.
Mr. Amekplenu contended that the transaction is believed to have received Cabinet approval and noted that Cabinet meetings are chaired by President Mahama, whose brother is alleged to be the direct beneficiary of the transaction.
“The central concern,” the petition stated, “is whether the President participated in, influenced, supervised, or in any manner presided over deliberations relating to a transaction from which his close family member directly or indirectly benefited.”
The petitioner argued that such circumstances potentially offend Article 284 of the Constitution, which requires public officers to avoid situations likely to create conflicts between their personal interests and official duties.
The petition further raised concerns over President Mahama’s continued use of a private jet, reportedly owned, controlled, or made available by Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, for presidential and official travel since assuming office.
According to the petitioner, public reports have also indicated that when the Vice President required urgent medical transportation abroad after falling ill, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama facilitated the arrangement by providing private aviation support.
While acknowledging that humanitarian assistance may not necessarily constitute wrongdoing, the petitioner maintained that the repeated provision of private logistical and aviation support to the highest offices of the Republic by a person allegedly benefiting from government-related transactions raises legitimate concerns regarding undue influence, preferential access, reciprocity, dependency, and the blurring of lines between public office and private family interests.
The petition stressed that the issue goes beyond direct financial benefit and extends to whether the prevailing circumstances create a reasonable perception that executive decisions could be compromised or appear to be influenced by familial considerations.
Mr. Amekplenu also referenced comments reportedly made by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga in February 2025 to the effect that Cabinet decisions are ultimately taken by the President upon the advice of Ministers who constitute Cabinet.
Based on that assertion, the petitioner argued that the Damang Mine transaction could not have proceeded without the direct involvement, participation, or approval of President Mahama.
The petition subsequently asked CHRAJ to determine several issues, including whether the President declared any personal or family interest before Cabinet considered the transaction; whether constitutional standards on transparency and accountability were complied with; whether public officials improperly facilitated preferential treatment in favour of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama or related entities; and whether the use of the private jet for presidential and vice-presidential duties created actual, potential, or apparent conflict of interest situations contrary to Article 284 of the Constitution.
The petitioner further requested investigations into whether the aviation support allegedly provided during the Vice President’s medical emergency raised concerns about executive dependency or undue influence, and whether the totality of the circumstances undermined constitutional principles of integrity, accountability, public trust, and ethical governance.
Mr. Amekplenu is therefore asking CHRAJ to commence a full-scale investigation into the Damang Mine approval and takeover process, obtain and review all Cabinet memoranda, minutes, declarations of interest, recusals, and related correspondence connected to the transaction.
The petition also called on CHRAJ to investigate the circumstances surrounding the provision and use of the private jet allegedly belonging to Ibrahim Mahama for official government travels, including whether any public concessions, reciprocal arrangements, or benefits are connected to the arrangement.
The petitioner further prayed that the Commission determine whether any constitutional or ethical breaches occurred and recommend sanctions or remedial measures where violations are established.
According to the petition, the matter raises substantial public interest concerns because it directly affects public confidence in governance, executive integrity, constitutional accountability, and the rule of law.
