Dominic Ayine Vows to Safeguard Ghana’s Interests Amid Cassius Mining Dispute

Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice-designate, has assured the Appointments Committee of Parliament of his unwavering commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s interests in a contentious $277 million dispute with Australian firm Cassius Mining Ltd.

Speaking during his vetting on Monday, January 13, Dr. Ayine addressed concerns over potential conflicts of interest, given his prior legal representation of Cassius Mining.

He clarified that he had officially ceased acting as the company’s lawyer and reaffirmed his allegiance to the Republic.

“I have been instructed previously by Cassius Mining. I filed pleadings in the High Court in Bolgatanga together with my junior partner, Mr. Gordon Tamakloe. … I want to put it on record that I’m no longer Cassius Mining’s lawyer,” he said. “As Attorney General of the Republic, I will be the Republic’s lawyer. I will not, in any manner whatsoever, compromise the interests of the Republic of Ghana.”

Dr. Ayine, a Stanford Law School graduate with over 30 years of experience, also highlighted his tenure as Deputy Attorney General under Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong. During this period, the Attorney General’s office gained international recognition for its integrity, with the U.S. government describing it as a “corruption-free zone.”

“For four years, we handled that ministry in such a way that the U.S. government described the Attorney General’s office as a corruption-free zone,” he told the committee.

Regarding the Cassius Mining dispute, Dr. Ayine expressed confidence in his ability to handle the case, which is currently before the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). “I’m quite familiar with that tribunal. … I will put in the measures that will ensure that the interests of the Republic are not compromised,” he assured.

Cassius Mining Ltd. is pursuing arbitration against Ghana, alleging that the government’s failure to renew its gold prospecting license in the Talensi District caused financial losses. The company initially secured a two-year prospecting license in 2016.

However, in 2019, Ghana’s government argued the license was invalid due to its lack of constitutional ratification, leading to protracted legal battles.

Cassius is seeking $277 million in damages but has also signalled a willingness to resolve the dispute amicably. Managing Director David Chidlow recently stated, “We look forward to progressing the case and achieving a successful outcome for the benefit of shareholders and the company.”