The Minerals Commission has denied granting permits to mining companies near the Mole National Park in the Savannah Region.

Three Civil Society Organizations, (CSOs) – Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis, Centre for Public Interest Law and the Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining – had alleged that the government had granted rights to mining companies to explore gold near the Mole National Park.

The Commission however rejected this claim in a statement.

“It has come to the attention of the Minerals Commission that certain Civil Society Organizations (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 statement said.

The allegation came days after the government issued a directive ordering persons undertaking prospecting activities in forest reserves across the country to indefinitely suspend such activities.

It also directed the Minerals Commission to desist from processing or granting any request for the renewal of prospecting licenses in forest reserves.

Below is the statement from the Minerals Commission
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 Organizations (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