Ghana’s mining landscape has witnessed a significant shift as Engineers & Planners Company Ltd (E&P) has successfully completed the acquisition of both the Black Volta and Sankofa Gold projects, marking a landmark achievement for indigenous mining operations in the country.
The transaction, finalized today, represents one of the most substantial takeovers by a Ghanaian-owned firm in the mining sector.
E&P has acquired full ownership through the purchase of Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd and Upwest Resources Ltd, the companies that previously held the mining concessions for both projects located in the Upper West region.
The completion of this acquisition marks the end of a long dormancy period for these gold projects, which are now poised for renewed development under local management.
The acquisition carries particular significance as it demonstrates Ghana’s growing capacity to manage its natural resources through indigenous companies.
Founded in 1997, Engineers & Planners has established itself as one of Africa’s leading mining and civil engineering companies, and this takeover marks a significant step in reasserting Ghanaian ownership in a sector long dominated by foreign firms.
The transaction was made possible through a $100 million acquisition facility from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), highlighting regional financial support for African-led mining ventures.
This financing arrangement underscores the strategic importance of the acquisition not just for Ghana, but for the broader West African economic community.
The Black Volta project, situated in the Wa area of the Upper West region, has long been recognized for its substantial gold deposits but had remained underdeveloped.
Similarly, the Sankofa Gold project represents untapped potential in Ghana’s mining portfolio. Under E&P’s ownership, both projects are expected to undergo comprehensive development programs that could significantly boost gold production in the region.
Industry observers note that the company’s performance will be closely monitored both locally and internationally as a test of Ghanaian capacity to manage world-class mining operations.
This acquisition positions E&P to transition from its established role as a mining contractor to become a major mining operator, representing its most ambitious move into direct resource ownership.
The successful completion of this deal follows the resolution of previous legal disputes and regulatory challenges that had delayed the projects’ development.
With E&P now in full control, the company is expected to leverage its extensive experience in mining operations and infrastructure development to bring both projects into production.
For Ghana’s mining sector, this development signals a potential shift toward greater local ownership and control of mineral resources. The acquisition demonstrates that Ghanaian companies can successfully compete for and manage significant mining assets, potentially inspiring similar indigenous takeovers in the future.
The immediate focus will be on conducting comprehensive feasibility studies and developing mining plans that align with Ghana’s environmental and social standards while maximizing economic benefits for local communities in the Upper West region.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
