In a press statement signed by Martin K. Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, the Commission categorically denied accusations made by Hon. Yusif Sulemana, Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency.
Hon. Yusif Sulemana accused the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission of granting mining concessions to foreigners without proper consultations. The Commission asserted that these allegations are ‘false and baseless.’
The Minerals Commission emphasized its strict adherence to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2176). According to these regulations, no mineral right is granted without thorough consultation with relevant stakeholders, including local communities and authorities.
“Upon receipt of an application for a mineral right, notice of the application is published in the Gazette, and copies served on the relevant landowner, Chief, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA), as well as other interested groups and stakeholders, to enable them to raise any concerns they may have.”
Martin K. Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission
The Commission highlighted its commitment to adequate stakeholder engagement, particularly with chiefs and local communities affected by mining operations. A letter dated October 11, 2022, from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, reinforced the necessity of these engagements.
The letter directed the Commission to formally notify paramount chiefs, Regional Ministers, and MMDCEs about mineral rights applications and seek their views before making recommendations.
Addressing the specific allegations, the Commission clarified that, “There are four (4) large-scale mining companies (and not seven (7) as alleged) that hold mineral rights in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency. They are Ghana Manganese Company Limited, Tradex Global Limited, P. Charn Ghana Limited, and JH Resources Exploration Ghana Company Limited.”
The Minerals Commission revealed that Ghana Manganese Company Limited holds three prospecting licenses in Bole, Neterso, and Seripe. Operations began in August 2020 with reconnaissance licenses, which were converted to prospecting licenses in January 2024 after completion of reconnaissance.
“Tradex Global Limited has two (2) prospecting licenses in Buanfo and Borda, both in Bole, granted in December 2023. Adequate consultations were held with all the relevant stakeholders before the grant of these licenses.”
Martin K. Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission
Additionally, the Minerals Commission disclosed that P. Charn Ghana Limited has a prospecting license over an area in Wakawaka in Bole, granted in March 2024. This area was originally part of Ghana Manganese Company Limited’s reconnaissance and was relinquished before being taken up by P. Charn Ghana Limited.
The Minerals Commission further revealed that JH Resources Exploration Ghana Company Limited (“JH Resources”) was first granted a prospecting license on 17th September 2019, before the current Minister assumed office in March 2021. The prospecting license, however, expired and was renewed on 26th January 2023.
Community Engagements
The Commission noted that two of these companies, Tradex Global Limited and P. Charn Ghana Limited, are wholly owned by Ghanaians. This directly refutes the MP’s allegations that concessions were granted exclusively to foreigners.
Regarding the specific confrontation narrated by Hon. Sulemana, the area falls within the concession of JH Resources. Adequate consultations and stakeholder engagements were held before granting the prospecting license in 2019. Further engagements led to a Social Responsibility Agreement signed on May 29, 2021, between JH Resources and the Sonyor Community, covering several local communities.
“Further, and in any event, these licenses are for exploration purposes only, that is, reconnaissance and prospecting, and do not constitute a license to mine. It is, thus, untrue for anyone to allege that the Minister has granted licenses to foreigners to mine in the area.”
Martin K. Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission
Efforts to Promote Responsible Mining
The Commission acknowledged the presence of illegal mining activities in the Bole-Bamboi Constituency, a problem common in many mining areas. The government is working to combat illegal mining and is promoting responsible, environmentally sound small-scale mining operations. Several small-scale mining licenses, including two Community Mining Schemes in Tinga, have been granted.
“A number of small-scale license applications are, also, pending at the Commission, which the Commission is reviewing to make the necessary recommendations to the Minister, in accordance with Act 703 and L.I. 2176.”
Martin K. Ayisi, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission reiterated its commitment to the regulation and management of Ghana’s mineral resources. The Commission assured the public of its dedication to transparency, integrity, and good faith in the exploitation and utilization of the country’s mineral resources for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
The Commission reiterated its steadfastness in its legal and ethical responsibilities, ensuring that all mineral rights are granted through a transparent and consultative process, in line with Ghana’s laws and regulations.
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