A light-hearted yet candid exchange between businessman Ibrahim Mahama and popular political commentator Appiah Stadium has gone viral following the official takeover of the Damang Mine by Engineers & Planners on April 18, 2026.
The moment, captured on video during the handover event, shows Appiah Stadium approaching Mahama with a direct request for a position at the mine, only to receive a straightforward response that has ignited widespread discussions across Ghanaian social media.
During the ceremony, Appiah Stadium, known for his outspoken commentary and strong support for the Mahama family, cornered the Engineers & Planners CEO to ask for a role at the newly acquired Damang Mine. Mahama, without hesitation, replied that there was “no space” for him at Damang and suggested that Appiah Stadium’s place was rather in Kumasi. The interaction remained polite but firm, with Mahama skillfully deflecting the request amid the high-profile event.
Appiah Stadium reportedly persisted, but Mahama stood his ground, keeping the focus on the broader vision for the mine and surrounding communities. The clip quickly spread online, with many users sharing and commenting on the unexpected exchange.
VIDEO: Ibrahim Mahama Rejects Job Request by Appiah Stadium; Moment goes Viral
The video has elicited mixed opinions from Ghanaians on social media platforms. Some praised Mahama for his honesty and focus on professional management rather than favoritism, viewing it as a sign of disciplined leadership in the mining sector. Others found humor in the moment, with memes and jokes circulating about Appiah Stadium’s bold ask and Mahama’s quick “pepper” response. Supporters of the move see it as proof that local companies like Engineers & Planners are serious about running operations efficiently.
Critics, however, questioned whether the public rejection was too blunt, especially given Appiah Stadium’s visible support for the family and the celebratory atmosphere of the handover. The trending clip highlights how personal interactions at major national events can capture public attention in Ghana.
This exchange occurred on the same day Mahama announced ambitious infrastructure plans for Damang, including a new airport within six months and a concrete road linking Damang to Cape Coast within two years. The CEO has repeatedly emphasized his commitment to proving that indigenous Ghanaian firms can successfully manage large-scale mining while delivering tangible benefits to host communities.
The Damang Mine, previously operated by Gold Fields, was handed over to Engineers & Planners after a competitive tender process where the company scored highly. Mahama has described the takeover as an opportunity to showcase local capability and drive development in the Western Region.
As the viral moment continues to trend, it adds a human element to the significant business transition at Damang. While the job request was turned down, the bigger story remains Mahama’s pledges for rapid infrastructure growth and community impact under new local ownership.
For more stories visit Trending.
The clip serves as a reminder of how quickly public figures’ interactions can spark national conversations in Ghana. With the Damang Mine now under Engineers & Planners, attention shifts to whether the promised projects will materialize within the stated timelines and transform the area for residents.
