In a formal move to ensure transparency and accountability in the country’s mining sector, Ghana’s Parliamentary Assurances Committee has requested crucial data from the Minerals Commission following a parliamentary appearance by the Commission on Monday, October 7, 2024.
The request, signed by Mrs Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, Head of the Governance Cluster (Committee on Assurances), sought comprehensive information on various aspects of mining licenses, discrepancies in data, and the issuance and revocation of mining rights.
“Further to your appearance before the Assurances Committee in Parliament on Monday, 7th October 2024, I act on the authority of the Committee to request for the provision of the under-listed information as agreed during the proceedings”.
Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, Head, Governance Cluster (Committee on Assurances)
This request follows concerns raised over inconsistencies between the one-page summary provided by the Minerals Commission and the more detailed information published on the Ghana Mining Repository website.
Key Information Requested from the Minerals Commission
The Assurances Committee outlined several specific requests, which include reconciliation of inconsistent Data. According to the statement, the Minerals Commission is expected to clarify discrepancies in its mining license data.
The Committee observed that the one-page summary presented differed from the comprehensive data originally made available on the Ghana Mining Repository website.
The Committee further demanded a thorough breakdown of mining licenses, including a list of all companies involved, the locations of their concessions, and the status of their licenses (whether active or inactive). The expectation is that this information will be as detailed as the original data provided on the Mining Repository website.
The Committee also expressed particular interest in any licenses that have been issued without ratification by Parliament, raising concerns over legality and oversight in the mining sector.
Additionally, the Committee called for a list of all newly issued licenses and any renewals granted by the Minerals Commission.
The Committee sought clarification on the different categories of mineral rights granted by the Commission, including distinctions between exploration, mining, and small-scale mining licenses. and requested the number of licenses, if any, granted under LI 2462, with the approval of the President.
In a bid to ensure that adequate oversight is being exercised over mining operations, the Committee requested data on the number of mining inspectors employed by the Minerals Commission, highlighting the need for adequate enforcement and regulatory measures.
Kandema and Funbisi Resettlement Projects
Moreover, the Committee expressed keen interest in the status of the Kandema and Funbisi resettlement projects, two communities affected by mining activities, urging the Commission to provide details of progress made in these resettlement efforts.
The Minerals Commission was also required to submit detailed data on revoked mining licenses, including the reasons for such revocations with the aim to shed light on the Commission’s enforcement of mining regulations.
A list of all companies currently holding valid mining licenses was equally requested to ensure transparency in the sector.
Lastly, the Committee requested a list of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who have been granted mining concessions, extending beyond the names already mentioned during the Commission’s appearance in Parliament.
“It would be appreciated if the information requested could reach the Secretariat not later than Monday 14th October 2024. You are also kindly requested to provide any further information that would aid the work of the Committee in the preparation of its report”.
Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, Head, Governance Cluster (Committee on Assurances)
The requested information is expected to inform the Committee’s report and could potentially influence future legislative and regulatory measures regarding mining in the country.
Recent allegations of unauthorized mining activities and the perceived lack of transparency in licensing processes have drawn public and parliamentary scrutiny.
The Assurances Committee of Parliament’s efforts to obtain detailed and accurate information will therefore be crucial in addressing these concerns and ensuring that the mineral wealth of Ghana benefits all citizens while adhering to legal and environmental standards.
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