‘Seek House approval on mining leases’

Page 44, Oct 23, 2008
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
THE Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Energy has cautioned the Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines to seek the ratification of mining leases with companies in future before the companies are allowed to operate.
It noted with concern the inability of the various ministries responsible for mines over the years to seek the ratification of Parliament prior to the execution of mining lease agreements between the period 1994 and 2007.
The caution was contained in a report of the committee on the mining lease agreements between the government and 21 mining companies operating in the country.
The committee observed that although the various mining lease agreements were entered into between 1994 and 2007, most of the mining companies were operating, even though the agreements had not been ratified.
“The committee wishes to recommend to the House that all future mining leases should be brought before the House for ratification before the commencement of operations,” it said.
The report explained that such an attitude was gross disregard of the laws of the land, especially Article 268 of the 1992 Constitution.
“The violation is an affront to the dignity of Parliament, as it seems to suggest that parliamentary ratification is nothing but a mere rubber stamp for the approval of already executed agreements,” it said.
“The committee wishes to sound a note of caution to the ministry responsible for mines that any such violation of the laws of the land in future will be subjected to the full sanctions of the law,” it warned.
In spite of the reservations expressed by the committee, it recommended to Parliament to approve the various mining lease agreements.
The mining companies are Goldfields Ghana Limited, AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Bogoso Gold Limited, Chirano Gold Mines Limited, Sian Goldfields Limited, Narawa Ghana Gold Limited, Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, Ghana Manganese Company Limited, Gulf Coast Resources Limited, Med Mining Company Limited and Adamus Resources Limited (Nkroful).
The rest are Midras Mining Limited, Talos Ghana Limited, Goldenrae Mining Limited, Blue River Mining Company Limited, West Star Mining Company Limited, First Canadian Goldfields Limited, Kibi Goldfields International, Ghana Bauxite Company, Savanna Cement Company Limited and Ghacem Limited.
The Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, Mrs Cecilia Obeng Dapaah, moved the motion for the adoption of the report and she was seconded by the Chairman of the Committee on Mines and Energy, Mrs Gifty Kusi.
After an intense debate on the matter, the House adopted the report.