By Antionette Abbah
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has denied media reports suggesting it has granted licenses to several companies to exploit Ghana’s lithium resources, against the national interest.
A statement from the Ministry insisted that the issue which has been reported within the media is untrue. It has thus urged the public to disregard the same as it has the interests of the citizenry at the very core of its decisions.
The statement said 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. No company has been granted a lease, license or permit to exploit, mine or produce lithium in Ghana.
It said various explorations for this mineral are currently ongoing, and the Ministry has submitted a policy proposal for the regulation, exploitation and management of Ghana’s green minerals, including lithium, which is currently being scrutinized by Cabinet.
The statement said the overarching goal of the policy is to ensure that the exploitation of these critical minerals inure to the benefit of the people of Ghana, the true owners of these resources.
When approved, it will form the basis for all agreements, leases, licenses, and permits for the exploitation and utilization of our green minerals.
