We’ll ensure Ghana’s natural resources benefit our people – Abu Jinapor

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor has reechoed his determination and that of the ruling Government to ensure that Ghana’s natural resources inure to the full benefit of the people.

The mineral resources of the country, according to Mr. Jinapor are by the dictates of Ghana’s Constitution the property of the people of Ghana, hence the need to own them.

In so doing, the Minister on Wednesday, 26^th June 2024 moved a motion in Parliament and made a strong case for the House to ratify the mining lease granted to Ghana Bauxite Company, which was laid before the House early this year by his Ministry.

In a statement posted on his Facebook wall, Mr. Jinapor emphasized that “for the first time in the history of our country, the Ghana Bauxite Company, which has been in operation for over eighty (80) years, is wholly owned by Ghanaians”.

This, he noted, is pursuant to the policy of the Government of President Akufo-Addo to indigenize the mining industry, and ensure that Ghanaians participate fully across the value chain of the industry.

The Minister asserted that “at the end of the debate, Parliament acknowledged the importance of the lease granted to a wholly owned Ghanaian company and unanimously ratified the Mining Lease, in accordance with article 268(1) of the Constitution”.

The ratification of the mining Lease according to Mr. Jinapor grants the company the full rights to operate the mine, secure the employment of the hundreds of people who depend on the mine, and contribute to the socio-economic development of our country.

"Under the distinguished leadership of President Akufo-Addo, we will continue to work to ensure that these resources inure to the benefit of the people of Ghana," he stated.