Accra: Parliament has ratified five mining lease agreements for the extraction of gold and other minerals across the country, alongside timber utilisation contracts for 131 companies. This decision followed the adoption of the Mines and Natural Resource Committee of Parliament's report, presented by Mr. Collins Dauda, Chairman of the Committee, to the plenary.
According to Ghana News Agency, the ratified mining leases involve the government of Ghana, represented by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and Newmont Golden Ridge Limited for gold mining at Akyem East and Akyem West in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region. Other companies granted mining leases include Abosso Goldfields Limited in Damang, Wassa West District, Gateway Exploration Limited for gold mining at Obobetwao in the Birim North District, and GBF Associate Ghana Limited to mine gold and other minerals at Ntotroso in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region.
The agreements comply with Article 268 of the 1992 Constitution and Section 54 of the Mining and Minerals Resources Act, 2006, (Act 703). Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, stated that the ratification would benefit the government and host communities by generating significant revenue for the state. The minister added that it would create jobs for local communities and facilitate the transfer of expertise and technology to Ghanaians.
