Defamation: Bright Simons files motion for Ibrahim Mahama to admit key facts

Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has filed a motion in the High Court. He demands that businessman Ibrahim Mahama and his company, Engineers & Planners, admit to 38 specific facts. This is part of an ongoing defamation suit against him.

The motion seeks to establish important background information on Mahama’s business dealings. It focuses on his political exposure and financial interests in Ghana’s mining sector. Simons’ legal team has given the plaintiffs 14 days to respond.

The assertions include Mahama being classified as a politically exposed person. They also detail financial and contractual relationships between Engineers & Planners and Abosso Goldfields Limited. The motion states that Mahama is the sole shareholder of Engineers & Planners.

It highlights his connection to the presidency as the brother of former President John Dramani Mahama. Additionally, it notes that offshore legal firm Appleby labeled him a high-risk politically exposed person in 2013.

Simons asks the court to confirm that Engineers & Planners’ contracts with Abosso Goldfields are significant revenue sources. These contracts are worth $117 million from 2015 to 2019 and $300 million from 2020 to 2025. Income from the Damang Gold Mine is projected to account for at least 25% of total mining revenue over ten years.

The motion claims that Engineers & Planners has received no payments from Abosso Goldfields since mining was suspended in 2023. The company has been in talks with banks like Stanbic Ghana regarding loan servicing issues. Simons points out that they have taken loans exceeding $50 million from Stanbic.

They also signed a $230 million equipment financing agreement with the Mansour Group. Other admissions sought include their failed attempt to acquire Cardinal Namdini Mines in Bolgatanga. The motion mentions ongoing efforts to raise financing for other mining assets as well.

It also notes employment of former Engineers & Planners staff in senior positions at the Minerals Commission. Ibrahim Mahama has sued Bright Simons for defamation, claiming false publications harmed his reputation and that of his company, Engineers & Planners (E&P).