The clash between E&P and Azumah Resources over the Black Volta concession has exposed major inconsistencies in the government’s implementation of mining policy, according to the Minority in Parliament.
The Minority Caucus argues that the ongoing standoff contradicts Ghana’s stated commitment to transparency, legal consistency, and local content in the extractive sector.
“How is it that two parties… are able to proceed on parallel tracks with rival claims?” the statement queried, referencing the continued confusion despite reported ministry-led mediation efforts.
The Minority contends that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources may have failed to manage the process equitably, a lapse they say is fueling public mistrust and rising tensions.
They further warned that the perception of preferential regulatory treatment — especially for entities believed to be politically connected — is deeply damaging.
“This is a recipe for investor uncertainty,” the statement said, highlighting contradictions with Ghana’s own Minerals and Mining Policy (2014).
The current handling of the case, they caution, sends troubling signals to both domestic and foreign investors.
Reiterating their call for immediate transparency and institutional accountability, the Minority questioned the possibility of political interference.
“Did something trigger fears of political overreach?” the statement asked. “These are the very conditions that erode investor confidence and undermine the rule of law in our natural resource governance.”
Source: Ernest K. Arhinful