Minerals Commission: Jinapor Hasn’t Granted Prospecting Licence Since Office Assumption

The Minerals Commission of Ghana has debunked allegations that the Minister for Lands and Natural resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has granted prospecting licences to companies.

The allegation was made by the Tamale North constituency, Alhassan Suhuyini.

But in a counter statement, the Commission said the publication is false and must be disregarded.

It noted that “since assuming office as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources on 5th August 2021, Hon. Jinapor has not granted a single prospecting licence to any company to undertake any exploratory activities in forest reserves.

“…Contrary to the said publication, Vimetco Bauxite Ltd. has no prospecting licence granted by the Minister.”

In the case of Akonta Mining Ltd, cited by Suhuyini, the Commission said the company has applied for a prospecting licence and entry permit into the Tano Namiri Forest reserve.

The Minerals Commission disclosed that the application is yet to be processed.

“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 companies application, the application must be processed subject to the Honourable Minister for Lands and Natural Resources directive on mining in forest reserves’.

“The Forestry commission’s letter does not constitute a Forest entry permit nor a prospecting licence”, the Commission noted.

However, it pointed out that the Minerals Commission is mandated by law to make recommendations to the Minister to grant any mineral right.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini