By Felix Cofie
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has firmly denied media reports claiming that the Government of Ghana has cancelled a $1.2 billion bauxite lease awarded to Rocksure International in favour of foreign partnerships.
In a statement by the Director of Communications at the ministry Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia described the reports as “false, baseless, and misleading,” and sought to clarify the facts surrounding Ghana’s bauxite development efforts.
No Valid Lease for Rocksure
According to the Ministry, no valid bauxite lease was ever awarded to Rocksure International. The statement explains that the supposed lease, along with others, was never ratified by the 8th Parliament before its dissolution on January 6, 2025.
“In accordance with a 2019 Supreme Court ruling, any lease not ratified by Parliament is considered legally void,” the Ministry emphasized. “Therefore, the Ministry could not have cancelled what did not legally exist.”
$1.2 Billion Valuation Dismissed
The Ministry also rejected the $1.2 billion valuation figure cited in the reports as “unsubstantiated and grossly misleading.” It noted that no official valuation of the resource or project had been made to support such a figure.
“The circulation of this figure appears to be a deliberate distortion intended to create unnecessary public controversy,” the Ministry noted.
GIADEC’s Role in Ghana’s Aluminium Vision
The Ministry reiterated that the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) remains the lead agency in driving the country’s Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI), as mandated by law.
GIADEC’s responsibilities include:
• Securing strategic financing and investors for Ghana’s bauxite resources,
• Advancing infrastructure projects like the Western Railway Line and the Takoradi Port expansion,
• Establishing a modern alumina refinery and a new aluminium smelter, and
• Retrofitting VALCO to boost operational capacity and commercial viability.
Media Reports Lack Credible Sources
The Ministry also raised concerns about the journalistic standards of the circulating reports, which it said failed to cite credible or official sources.
“These claims appear to be based on speculation, as the key institutions involved — MLNR, GIADEC, and Rocksure International — were never consulted or quoted,” the statement said.
A Call for Public Vigilance
The Ministry urged the public to treat such reports with skepticism, warning that misinformation not only undermines public trust but could also discourage critical investment in the country’s natural resource sector.
“The Ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the full realization of President Mahama’s vision of establishing Africa’s leading integrated aluminium hub — a vital pillar for Ghana’s future prosperity,” the statement concluded.
Statement Below:
