Samuel A. Jinapor
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has said the transaction between the government and Barari DV Ltd, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Ltd, for the exploitation of lithium at Ewoyaa in the Central Region, is one of the best transactions.
He said the government took a decision to treat lithium and other green minerals differently from the minerals already being mined, thereby resulting in an agreement which provides enhanced benefits for the country, a press release issued by the Minister said.
This was in response to calls by the Minority in Parliament for the Mining Lease to be submitted for ratification.
The Minority alleged that the company intends to commence operation by the first quarter of 2024, when the lease has not been ratified by Parliament.
In response, the Minister debunked the suggestion that the company will commence operation in the first quarter of next year, stating that the signing of the lease is the first step to undertaking a mining operation, and that the lease would be submitted to Parliament as part of the processes for acquiring the requisite rights and permits to commence operation.
Mr. Jinapor noted that the Ministry sought Cabinet’s approval for a new policy for the exploitation and management of the country’s green minerals.
He welcomed the public’s interest and intense scrutiny in this particular transaction and other transactions for the exploitation of the mineral resources of the country, noting that it is the best way of ensuring that these resources inure to the benefit of the Ghanaian people.
By Samuel Boadi