$100 Million Legal Battle Over Ghana Gold Mine Reaches International Court
A massive financial dispute over Ghana’s Black Volta gold project has reached the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), with claims now exceeding $100 million between two Ghanaian companies.
The legal battle centers on a terminated development agreement between Engineers & Planners (E&P) and an unnamed second party. E&P, a construction firm owned by Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, reportedly initiated the ICC proceedings after failed negotiations.
The Black Volta gold project represents one of Ghana’s significant mining ventures, making this dispute particularly consequential for the country’s mining sector. Both companies have filed claims and counterclaims, escalating the financial stakes beyond the original $100 million threshold.
ICC arbitration typically handles complex international commercial disputes, suggesting the case involves cross-border elements or international contracts. The chamber’s involvement indicates both parties seek resolution outside Ghana’s domestic court system.
The dispute highlights ongoing challenges in Ghana’s mining industry, where development agreements often involve substantial financial commitments and complex partnerships. Ibrahim Mahama’s E&P has previously undertaken major infrastructure projects across West Africa.
Neither company has publicly disclosed specific details about the terminated agreement or the exact nature of their claims. The ICC proceedings could take months or years to resolve, potentially impacting future mining investments in Ghana’s gold sector.
The case underscores the high-stakes nature of Ghana’s mining industry, where project disputes can reach nine-figure sums.
