Azumah Resources distance itself from IMANI Africa Vice President

Azumah Resources (Ghana) Limited has distanced itself from policy analyst and IMANI Africa Vice President, Bright Simons, amid growing controversy over its $100 million gold project deal with Engineers & Planners (E&P).

In a statement dated Sunday, July 13, the Australian-owned company clarified that Mr. Simons has no affiliation with Azumah, its shareholders, or directors, and his recent commentary should be regarded solely as his personal opinion.

This clarification comes as public scrutiny intensifies over the Black Volta Gold Project in Ghana’s Upper West Region—an asset formerly owned by Azumah and acquired by E&P, a Ghanaian-owned firm led by businessman Ibrahim Mahama.

Originally signed in October 2023, the deal was celebrated as a milestone for local participation in Ghana’s mining sector. However, shareholder disputes and accusations of political interference have led to legal challenges and widespread 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 company stated.

“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 engaged in confidential negotiations with E&P to resolve the dispute. These talks, the company noted, are taking place in good faith, under legal oversight and with involvement from Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Responding to Mr. Simons’ alleged reference to the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Azumah described the mention as “unwarranted and inaccurate,” and expressed regret for the Bank’s name being drawn into the public debate.

The company urged the media and public to rely only on official spokespersons for accurate information and reiterated its commitment to a “professional, transparent and responsible” resolution of the matter.