The President of policy think tank IMANI Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe, has strongly defended his colleague Bright Simons, following a public statement issued by Azumah Resources Ghana Limited distancing the company from Mr Simons’ commentary on its mining dispute with Engineers & Planners (E&P).

In a Facebook post on Monday, 14 July 2025, Franklin Cudjoe described Azumah Resources’ statement as “unnecessary” and praised Mr Simons for his independence of thought and scholarship.

“Bright Simons has never claimed to speak for Azumah Resources,” Mr Cudjoe wrote. “Frankly, the so-called disclaimer is unnecessary! It even speaks to his independence in thought and scholarship.”

The IMANI Ghana boss added, “Instead of seeking wise counsel to deal with the thorny issues with facts, some are attacking the person of Bright Simons.”

Mr Cudjoe further revealed that he had been involved in efforts to help resolve a personal legal suit involving Mr Simons, noting that it had been difficult to obtain a factual basis from the other party to support a meaningful compromise.

“Sadly, this is degenerating into a banter that has the propensity to hurt both sides,” he warned. “Some seem to think it is a battle between one with enormous resources and political clout and the other who dislikes a risen star and wants him hanged.”

“Far from that. If you know Bright Simons well, you would understand that he is not motivated by ill-will at all, never has. Our doors are still open for cultured conversations over this and future matters,” Mr Cudjoe concluded.

His comments came in response to a formal disclaimer issued by the Board of Directors of Azumah Resources on Sunday, 13 July 2025, in which the Australian-owned firm distanced itself from Mr Simons’ public commentary on its impasse with E&P.

In the statement, Azumah Resources said: “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 emphasised that Mr Simons’ views “should not be construed, implied, or interpreted as reflective of the official position, intentions, or legal standing of Azumah Resources or its Shareholders.”

Azumah Resources reiterated that it is currently engaged in confidential, good-faith negotiations with Engineers & Planners, aimed at achieving a constructive and mutually beneficial resolution to the ongoing dispute. The talks, the company said, are taking place “within the framework of applicable laws, commercial norms, and in consultation with the appropriate regulatory and ministerial bodies.”

Citing a directive from the sector Minister, Azumah urged all media outlets, analysts, and third parties to avoid speculation and misleading reportage that could “prejudice or distort” the resolution process.

The company also used the opportunity to express regret to the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) over what it called the “unwarranted and inaccurate inclusion” of the Bank’s name in public discussions about the matter.

It clarified that Azumah and E&P had only visited EBID’s offices in Lomé, Togo, in 2023 to assess the Bank’s interest in supporting the transaction.

“EBID expressed indicative interest, contingent on its internal credit appraisal and Board approval,” Azumah stated, adding that “any extrapolations beyond this context are both inappropriate and unauthorised.”

The company concluded by reaffirming its “unwavering commitment to a professional, transparent, and responsible resolution” of the dispute and pledged continued alignment with Ghana’s broader national interest and stakeholders.

All enquiries about the transaction are to be directed through the official contacts provided for accurate and timely updates.

For Ghana Media and Stakeholder Enquiries:
Mr John Kaku Mason
Aide to the Chairman, Azumah Resources Ghana
Spokesperson for the Shareholders
Tel: +233 20 681 6867

For International Media and Strategic Communications:
Mr Tom Stewart-Walvin
Associate Director, Rostrum
(Azumah International Media Representative).