There seems to be no end in sight to the controversial Agyapa Royalties agreement debate as CSOs and the Minority continue to question its genuineness and sustainability. They maintain that the deal was rushed and needs a review.
Per the agreement, Agyapa Royalties set up by Government is to receive money earned from Gold royalties and in exchange raise between $500 and 750 million for Government on the Ghana and London Stock exchanges.
However, government has been accused of trying to avoid paying extra taxes on mining royalties by incorporating Agyapa in “Jersey of the Channel Islands” which is known to be a tax haven.
It has also been accused of appointing persons close to government to key positions under the agreement.
Speaking on GBCs Current Affairs programme, ‘Talking Point’, which discussed the Agyapa Royalties agreement, an Economist and member of the CSOs Platform on Oil and Gas, Samuel Berko said their position has always been about the transparency of the deal.
MP for South Dayi, Rockson Dafeamekpor, said his position and that of the Minority is that the deal is shrouded in secrecy and should be withdrawn.
Meanwhile, MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem, George Mireku Duker, maintained government’s position on the deal. According to him, the deal is a novelty and is in the best interest of the country.
