The Minerals Commission has refuted claims by Member of Parliament for the Tamale North Constituency, Alhassan Suhuyini, that despite the ban on prospecting in Forest Reserves, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has granted licenses to some companies to prospect for minerals.
The Commission, in a press release signed by its Chief Executive, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, entreated the general public to disregard any publication from the legislator on such claims.
It said that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor has not “granted a single prospecting license to any company to undertake any exploration activities in Forest Reserves.”
It stated that “Contrary to the said publication, Vimetco Ghana Bauxite Ltd has no prospecting license granted by the Minister. In the case of Akonta Mining Ltd., the Company has applied for a prospecting license which is yet to be processed by the Minerals Commission.”
The statement disclosed that the Company also applied for a Forest Entry Permit to enter the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
“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,” it stated.
“The Forestry Commission’s letter does not constitute a Forest Entry Permit nor a prospecting licence” it added.
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 the government policies, including the ban on reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploration in Forest Reserves.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
