The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has denied media allegations that claim it has granted licenses to numerous businesses to exploit Ghana’s lithium deposits against the country’s best interests.
The Ministry adamantly declared that the claims making the rounds in the media are false in a press release issued on Wednesday, July 26. The Ministry highlighted that in every decision-making process, the welfare of the citizens is still given top priority.
“The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been drawn to various publications in a section of the media, to the effect that the Government of President Akufo-Addo has granted licenses to several companies to exploit Ghana’s lithium resources against the national interest.”
“These stories are totally false. For the avoidance of doubt, no company has been granted a lease, license, and/or permit to exploit, mine, and/or produce lithium in Ghana.”
Lithium explorations are currently under way, according to the Ministry, and it has submitted a policy proposal to Cabinet for the administration, exploitation, and control of Ghana’s green minerals, including lithium. The suggestion is now being examined and assessed.
The Government is devoted to ensuring that the extraction of these essential minerals, such as lithium, is done in a way that is consistent with the interests of the country. The main objective of the strategy is to make sure that Ghana’s citizens, who are the genuine owners of such priceless resources, profit from them.
“The Hon. Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, has stated on a number of platforms, both local and international, that the Government is committed to ensuring that the exploitation of these minerals and others are done in a manner that accords with the national interest.”
The policy will act as the basis for all contracts, leases, licenses, and permits relating to the extraction and use of Ghana’s green minerals once it has been approved.