Audio By Carbonatix
The Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) has been given the green light to resume operations after a week shutdown by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister.
In a letter Friday, Kwaku Asoma-Cheremeh said after two meetings with the company and some stakeholders, the parties have agreed to expedite action towards resolution of the issues raised.
“In the light of the good faith shown by the company to work with government towards amicable resolution, including the joint manning of the weighbridge located at the mine and tonnages loaded unto ships to guarantee accurate computation of revenue, I have asked the company to resume its operations,” he said.
On Monday, the Minister ordered the shutdown of GMC until further notice effective Monday, August 5.
Mr Cheremeh said the closure was in response to the company's inability to fulfil its financial obligations which has resulted in over $300 million loss of revenue to the state.
“We are going to engage them to find an amicable solution to the infraction that they have committed. If indeed they do not have any good explanation for the happenings, then we will arraign them before the court,” he said.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Kwaku Asoma-Cheremeh
However, Benjamin Atsu Quashie, the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, denied allegations that the company is not tax-compliant, citing their records and awards as evidence.
“We will like to state that GMC operates responsibly and honours its statutory obligations. For the sake of clarity, in 2018, the corporation tax liability of the company was $31 million.
“This was settled before December 31, 2018, as required by law. In relation to royalties, the company paid an amount of $17 million in 2018,” GMC said.
But upon positive responses from the stakeholders, the Lands Minister has revoked the move to shut down the GMC.
“Four days ago, I shared with the media the findings of the Technical and Financial Audit carried out on the operations of GMC and also called on the company to suspend its mining operations until further notice.
“After two meetings between representatives of government including the Ministers of Land and Natural Resources, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, top officials from the Minerals Commission and the representatives and management of GMC on August 6 and 9, the parties have agreed to expedite action towards resolution of the issues raised,” the Minister said.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Kwaku Asoma-Cheremeh
However, Benjamin Atsu Quashie, the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, denied allegations that the company is not tax-compliant, citing their records and awards as evidence.
“We will like to state that GMC operates responsibly and honours its statutory obligations. For the sake of clarity, in 2018, the corporation tax liability of the company was $31 million.
“This was settled before December 31, 2018, as required by law. In relation to royalties, the company paid an amount of $17 million in 2018,” GMC said.
But upon positive responses from the stakeholders, the Lands Minister has revoked the move to shut down the GMC.
“Four days ago, I shared with the media the findings of the Technical and Financial Audit carried out on the operations of GMC and also called on the company to suspend its mining operations until further notice.
“After two meetings between representatives of government including the Ministers of Land and Natural Resources, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, top officials from the Minerals Commission and the representatives and management of GMC on August 6 and 9, the parties have agreed to expedite action towards resolution of the issues raised,” the Minister said.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Chef Abbys: Feeding 50,000 people, putting food security on Ghana’s agenda
7 minutes -
Ho set to host Republic Bank–JoyNews Habitat Fair as multiple firms prepare to showcase housing solutions
15 minutes -
NPP demands public inquiry into alleged $600,000 World Cup visa fraud, wants Sports Minister, GTA CEO summoned
22 minutes -
I want my brand to be bigger than just music – Yaw Wazinga
26 minutes -
Houthi missile attack on Yemeni presidential palace kills two, minister says
26 minutes -
I hoped to win an award; I worked hard – 2026 Best Graduating Law Student
36 minutes -
Fraudsters increasingly target bank customers instead of banking systems – Fraud detection expert
37 minutes -
44 teacher sexual abuse cases tracked since 2015; school heads feature in 40% of recent cases — JoyNews Research
39 minutes -
Unchecked imports and the Middle East crisis threaten Ghana’s fragile food inflation anchor
58 minutes -
Ecobank Junior Saver Big Pitch to reward 10 winners with GH¢2,000 each
1 hour -
AMA demolishes unauthorised pigsty obstructing Agbogbloshie waste evacuation exercise
1 hour -
I was filled with disbelief – Akosua Achia Sarpong Esq. shares her first reaction
1 hour -
Snake Village: A look at Volta Region’s hidden snake village and its tourism potential (Video)
1 hour -
Election Watch Ghana calls for constitutional reforms to strengthen Electoral Commission independence
1 hour -
NACOC, Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission intensify efforts to curb drug trafficking
1 hour