Minerals Commission Exposes MP Over Lies

The Minerals Commission has debunked claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini that Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has granted prospecting licences to some companies to prospect for minerals in Forest Reserves, in spite of a ban.

The Commission, in a press release sighted by The Anchor, dated August 17, 2022 and signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Martin K. Ayisi, described the allegation as false, daring the MP and any individual with a copy of such licence to produce it.

According to the Commission, since the Minister assumed office last year [on 5th March, 2021], he has not granted a single prospecting licence to any company to undertake any exploration activities in Forest Reserves.

“The said publication is false and should be disregarded by the public. Since assuming office as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources on 5th March, 2021, Hon. Jinapor has not granted a single prospecting licence to any company to undertake any exploration activities in Forest Reserves. Any person with a copy of any such licence should produce same,” the Commission said.

The Commission explained that, “Contrary to the said publication, Vimetco Ghana Bauxite Ltd has no prospecting licence granted by the Minister. In the case of Akonta Mining Ltd., the Company has applied for a prospecting licence which is yet to be processed by the Minerals Commission. The Company also applied for a Forest Entry Permit to enter the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve”.

It said, “By a letter dated August 8, 2022, the Forestry Commission wrote to the Minerals Commission indicating that although it has, in principle, no objection to the Company’s application, the application must be processed “subject to the Honourable Minister of Lands and Natural Resources’ directive on mining in Forest Reserve.”

The release, however, stressed: “The Forestry Commission’s letter does not constitute a Forest Entry Permit or a prospecting licence”.

It assured the general public that, “The Minerals Commission is, by law, mandated to make recommendations to the Minister for the grant of any mineral right. The Commission will not make any recommendation that contravenes Government policies, including the ban on reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploration in Forest Reserves”.

Source: Anchorghana.com