In a new twist to a never ending drama on bauxite exploration in Ghana, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu has declared as invalid and of no effect, a mining lease granted Exton Cubic Ltd.
He had early on approved of the exploration and urged his colleague minister of Ashanti Region, Simon Osei-Mensah to release seized equipment to Exton Cubic.
After consulting with the Attorney-General, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister has made a u-turn, describing the mining contract issued to Exton Cubic as invalid.
At a press conference held in Accra Monday, John Peter Amewu, cited Exton Cubic’s failure to obtain an environmental permit and operational permit for exploration as reasons for the revocation.
He also mentioned some statutory infractions he claimed the company may have violated.
Raymond Acquah who was present at the news conference reported the Minister as saying the company is yet to be notified of the decision taken by the government.
Citing the mining law, the minister said he has the right under the law to terminate a mining license of a company if there has been some infractions.
He added after the licenses have been revoked, the company does have every right under the law to correct all anomalies and reapply.
Exton Cubic, affiliated with a brother of former President John Mahama has been in the news recently after it was stopped by government from prospecting for bauxite in the Tano Offin Forest Reserve.
The company whose license was granted on December 29, 2016 (weeks after elections) insists it followed due process in the acquisition of the mining license.
Even after the Minerals Commission and the EPA both issued statements about several breaches of the mining laws, the company was vehement in defence, stating they followed due process at every step of the way.
It is not clear yet what the company will do in the light of the position taken by the Natural Resources Minister.
This is the witch hunt we are talking about. Pressure on the Natural Resources Minister to revoke the license because if dose not then he has to loss his work. Have you people see how our leaders put party first before nation? I want to ask one question if Bawumia’ Chines come is that how they are going to treat them? We live to see.
Keep quiet and suffer