Lands Minister Announces 'Very Conclusive Agreements' Reached Between Azuma and E&P Mining Companies in Ongoing Dispute

Ghana’s Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has confirmed that a long-running dispute between Azuma Resources and Engineers & Planners (E&P) has been successfully resolved, following a ministerial directive aimed at ending the deadlock.

Addressing the press in Accra on Wednesday, July 23, 2024, during the Government Accountability Series, Mr. Buah revealed that both mining firms had reached what he described as “very conclusive agreements,” effectively clearing the way for the revival of the Black Volta Gold Project in the Upper West Region.

The minister’s intervention came after issuing a formal directive to the two parties on July 10, 2025, urging them to resolve their differences in the interest of national development. “In fact, I received a letter from Azuma Resources informing me that they have reached very conclusive agreements with E&P,” Mr. Buah stated. He emphasized that the directive had achieved its intended outcome and expressed optimism about the future of the project.

The Black Volta Gold Project, estimated at a value of approximately $100 million, is set to become Ghana’s first large-scale gold mining operation fully owned and operated by indigenous entities. It is being financed with support from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).

However, the project had been on hold due to a legal and commercial conflict between the two firms involved. The disagreement escalated to the international level, with both Azuma and E&P presenting claims exceeding $100 million before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in London. The dispute stemmed from a fallout over a 2023 agreement. E&P accused Azuma of breaching contractual terms and failing to meet its financial responsibilities, while Azuma alleged that E&P had not fulfilled key obligations, such as securing funding, awarding construction contracts, and commencing mining operations.

The impasse not only halted work on the site but also had wider economic consequences. Mr. Buah stressed that the delay had deprived Ghana of critical revenue, employment, and royalties, pointing out that the state holds a 10 percent carried interest in the project. “Ghana is a shareholder in that enterprise. Any delay in the exploitation of those resources affects the people of Ghana directly,” he noted.

He further justified his intervention by citing the state’s legal authority and vested interest in such strategic mineral projects. According to the minister, his responsibility includes ensuring that all stakeholders uphold their commitments and that national interests are protected.

Although the specifics of the settlement between Azuma and E&P were not disclosed during the press conference, Mr. Buah said the resolution marks a significant milestone in the government’s broader efforts to create a more stable and productive mining sector. He highlighted the ministry’s proactive role in mediating industry disputes and promoting responsible resource management.

In addition to resolving corporate disagreements, the minister outlined a series of upcoming reforms aimed at improving governance in the extractive sector. These include overhauling the licensing framework, establishing cooperative mining schemes to empower local communities, and deploying advanced technology to monitor and combat illegal mining activities more effectively.

“This resolution is not just about two companies coming to terms,” Mr. Buah said. “It is about restoring momentum to a project of national importance and ensuring that Ghana’s resources benefit its people.”

With the dispute now resolved, industry stakeholders and community leaders are hopeful that the Black Volta Gold Project will proceed without further delays, bringing investment, infrastructure, and jobs to the Upper West Region, while contributing to Ghana’s long-term economic development.