The Minerals Commission has denied granting permits to mining companies near the Mole National Park in the Savannah Region.
The government had given rights to mining firms to mine for gold in the Mole National Park, according to three civil society organizations (CSOs): the Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis, the Centre for Public Interest Law, and the Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining.
In a comment, the Commission, on the other hand, refuted this assertion.
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“It has come to the Minerals Commission’s attention that mining licenses have been released for mining in or around the Mole National Park in the Savannah Region, according to some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).” This statement and/or accusation is false. According to the statement, “no such Mining Permit has been issued for this purpose.”
The allegation was made just days after the government released a circular asking people prospecting in forest reserves around the country to stop doing so indefinitely.
It also told the Minerals Commission not to process or approve any requests for prospecting license renewals in forest reserves.
The Minerals Commission has issued a note, which can be found below
REJOINDER: NO PERMIT ISSUED FOR MINING IN OR NEAR MOLE NATIONAL PARK.
It has come to the attention of the Minerals Commission that certain Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have alleged that Mining Permits have been issued for mining in or near the Mole National Park in the Savannah Region. This allegation and/or assertion is not the case. No such Mining Permit has been issued for this purpose.
The Commission as the repository of records of all Mineral Rights in Ghana, entreats the General Public particularly CSOs, who are partners and have been working closely with the Commission over the years, to seek clarifications from it before going public.
End
MR. MARTIN AYISI
AG CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
MINERALS COMMISSION
HEADQUARTERS
ACCRA
SOURCE: ATLFMONLINE
