Deputy Minister of Mines, Dr Abdul Majid Haroun has assured Ghanaians that the NPP government is not in a haste to engage Ashanti Goldfields in any deal that would not advance the long-term interest of the glittering star of Ghana. The government, he said, is extremely aware of the strategic importance of Ashanti to the country.

The deputy Minister said it is in view of its strategic importance that the government appointed a team of consultants to evaluate Ashanti’s potential vis-?-vis the two merger proposals.

While refusing to comment any further until the government’s own due diligence is completed, Dr Majid Haroun’s words, according to the Statesman newspaper, suggests that the government shares Ashanti Chief Executive, Sam Jonah’s concerns that Ashanti could be more than the two bids currently on the table.

Anglogold, the South African Company, earlier this month offered a merger with Ashanti, which is valued at $1.1 billion. Shortly after, UK registered Randgold, raised eyebrows when it offered $1.46 billion for Ashanti.