- Azumah Distances Itself from Bright Simons’ Comments Amid High-Stakes Mining Dispute
In a striking move that could shift public narratives around one of Ghana’s most watched mining disputes, Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd has issued an official statement distancing itself from policy analyst Bright Simons, asserting that he does not speak on behalf of the company, its shareholders, or board.
The disclaimer, dated 13 July 2025 and signed by Azumah’s designated media representatives, comes amid ongoing arbitration and mediation processes between Azumah and Engineers & Planners (E&P) over the stalled $100 million acquisition of the Wa Gold Project in the Upper West Region.
“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 statement reads. “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.”
The company’s public disclaimer comes in response to media and social commentary attributed to Mr. Simons in recent weeks, which appeared to criticise E&P’s role in the dispute and implied political motivations behind the company’s legal actions.
Simons, Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Africa, had suggested that E&P was leveraging political influence to push through a deal that lacked transparency, prompting significant online debate and international media interest. However, Azumah’s board now explicitly disavows any connection to those views and urges the media to rely only on authorised spokespersons.
“We respectfully call upon all media houses, analysts, commentators, and third parties to exercise discretion and refrain from speculative or misleading reportage that could potentially prejudice or distort the dialogue underway.”
The disclaimer reinforces that Azumah is currently engaged in “confidential, good-faith negotiations” with E&P, under the oversight of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, with a shared objective of reaching a “constructive and mutually acceptable resolution.” These talks are part of a wider mediation framework proposed by the Ministry in June 2025, which calls for a temporary stay of legal proceedings and the establishment of a three-member resolution committee.
Azumah’s decision to publicly distance itself from Mr. Simons may mark a turning point in the public handling of the dispute. According to sources familiar with the matter, both parties have grown concerned that public commentary, especially that perceived as partisan or speculative, could undermine delicate negotiations currently underway in Accra and potentially in neutral jurisdictions like London or Paris.
In a particularly telling section, Azumah also expressed regret to the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), whose name had been drawn into the public conversation about the financing of the Wa Gold Project. The disclaimer clarifies that EBID had only expressed “indicative interest” in supporting the project, contingent on internal credit assessment and board approval.
“Any extrapolations beyond this context are both inappropriate and unauthorized,” the company stated.
E&P had previously presented a $130 million term sheet from EBID to Azumah’s board, supplemented by a $20–30 million top-up from E&P’s own sources. That offer was ultimately rejected by Azumah Chairman James Wallbank, who later revised the projected cost of the project from $160 million to $240 million, a decision that became one of the key triggers for arbitration.
The disclaimer underscores the high reputational stakes of the dispute, not just for the parties involved but for Ghana’s broader investment environment. The Wa Gold Project is among the most advanced in the northern sector and was expected to generate hundreds of jobs and significant tax revenues.
“Azumah Resources reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a professional, transparent, and responsible resolution of this matter and remains fully aligned with the broader interest of the Republic of Ghana and all stakeholders involved,” the company concluded.
The disclaimer was signed by Mr. John Kaku Mason, Aide to the Chairman and local media liaison, and Mr. Tom Stewart-Walvin, Associate Director at UK-based communications firm Rostrum, serving as Azumah’s international media representative.
Observers say the move to formally disown external commentary may be part of a broader effort by Azumah to re-establish a clean negotiating table with E&P, following months of litigation, media scrutiny, and accusations from both sides.
As formal mediation begins, stakeholders are now watching to see whether the parties will maintain focus on the legal and commercial core of the dispute, or whether further public distractions will resurface.
