The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a release dated 13th December 2023 and signed by the National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi has called on the government to with all urgency review the laws and policies on mining in the country, especially regarding green minerals.
According to the NDC, it is an indisputable fact, that mining hasn’t benefited us as a nation over the years. Hence, there is a need for an urgent review of the country’s existing mining laws and policies, particularly concerning green minerals.
This call comes in the wake of the government’s lithium lease agreement with Barari DV, which has faced several comments and criticisms from Civil groups, mineral experts, individuals and the general public.
The NDC said it has keenly followed public discussions on the controversial Mining Lease Agreement executed between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited to exploit Lithium and other associated minerals in the Ewoyaa community of the Mfantseman Municipality of Ghana.
After meticulous scrutiny of the terms of the Mining Lease Agreement, the NDC has concluded that the Ghana-Barari Lithium agreement is not in the best interest of Ghana.
The NDC holds the view that the green minerals of the country, should not be exploited based on the existing mining laws and policies, which are predominantly tailored for gold mining and have not benefited the nation over the years.
Portions of the release read, “We are of the firm opinion, that it is about time the existing colonial model of mining lease concession agreements, was reviewed. New models for the exploitation of our mineral resources such as Joint Ventures and Service Agreements, that provide for equitable benefit sharing, enhanced local participation and value addition, should be considered as part of the review of the laws and policies governing our extractive sector.”
The party indicated that Ghana urgently needs a reviewed mining regime, that provides for sustainable funding and strengthening of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, to engage in reconnaissance and prospecting, particularly about green minerals.
According to the NDC, if supported by the Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF) under the right policy framework, this will enhance the state’s bargaining power in the exploitation of our mineral resources.
Read also: UCC Debate Society wins Public Speaking Competition in Togo
Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
