NDC fires back at Kpebu over Alfred Mahama mine controversy; Kwakye Ofosu questions lawyer’s financial interests

Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has challenged private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu over his involvement in Ghana’s disputed mining concessions, questioning whether the lawyer’s public criticism of government actions is influenced by a financial arrangement with a mining company.

The controversy surrounding the takeover of mining concessions has taken another political turn after Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, questioned the financial interests of lawyer Martin Kpebu and his colleague, Kofi Bentil, in their advocacy for indigenous mining companies.

The exchange followed comments by the two lawyers concerning the Minerals Commission’s decision to terminate the mineral rights of Northern Ashanti Mines Limited at Konongo in the Ashanti Region.

During a discussion on TV3’s The KeyPoints programme on October 31, Mr Kwakye Ofosu alleged that the lawyers had accepted commissions to represent the mining company and referred to what he described as a success-fee arrangement involving Mr Kpebu.

He argued that their financial interests should be made clear to the public, particularly as they were criticising the Minerals Commission and demanding the removal of its Chief Executive Officer, Isaac Tandoh.

Alfred Mahama’s name enters the mining controversy

The discussion also touched on allegations involving Alfred Mahama, brother of President John Dramani Mahama, and the controversy surrounding mining concessions.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu challenged the basis of claims linking politically connected individuals to the disputed mining arrangements, insisting that allegations should be supported by verifiable evidence.

However, the controversy involving Alfred Mahama and the Nawara concession at Osino is separate from the Northern Ashanti Mines dispute at Konongo. Companies associated with the subsequent acquisition of the Nawara concession have denied that Mr Mahama was involved in its revocation or held shares in their businesses.

Franklin Cudjoe defends Kpebu and Bentil

The comments have attracted criticism from IMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe, who described the minister’s remarks as disrespectful.

In a social media response on November 1, Mr Cudjoe criticised the suggestion that the lawyers were being paid to speak against what they considered unfair treatment of indigenous mining companies.

Mining takeover dispute remains unresolved

Northern Ashanti Mines has challenged the termination of its mining rights in court, disputing the Minerals Commission’s claims about unpaid fees and regulatory breaches. The Commission maintains that it followed the law.

The dispute has therefore expanded beyond the legality of the takeover into questions about political influence, professional representation and transparency in Ghana’s mining sector.

Notably, the reports reviewed do not establish that the NDC formally accused Kpebu of stealing. The documented exchange concerns alleged financial interests and a success-fee arrangement, claims that should not be presented as proof of theft.