Chinese operators of the Ghana Bauxite company have received a drubbing from an incensed Land and Natural Resources Minister over their persistent declaration of losses.

John Peter Amewu who visited the company embroiled in a scandal was at a loss over how it has failed to declare a profit for four years. Conservative estmates suggested the company has declared $29.8m in losses since 2010.

"In 2012, you make a loss, in 2013 you make a loss, in 2014 you make a loss, but in 2015 there was some declaration of profit. In 2016, we are studying your books but…losses", he criticized managers of the company which produces bauxite at Awaso in the Western region.

He threatened that government may reconsider its shareholding agreement with the Chinese management reminding them that "you don't own this company 100%, are you aware?"

Ghana government owns 20% shares while Bosai Minerals Group based in China controls 80%. The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited is a member of a Chinese conglomerate, Bosai International Company.

His visit follows a JoyNews investigation by Kwetey Nartey which revealed the company has failed to pay penalty charges of up to $90 million over the past six years.  The company has also failed to pay taxes for most of the time it has been operating in the country.

Watch: Joy News investigations into GBC and minister's visit to the company

The Minister found out, the Chinese managers sell bauxite to its Chinese mother company at a price lower than that on the prevailing international market which contributes to the losses.

"We have been shortchanged", he complained and said government would advise itself after studying the company's 2017 financial statement.

He chuckled off the company's request for permission to expand its mining operations, emphatically declining the request.

"That I can tell you will not be granted. because there is no motivation from government to keep encouraging you when you are running losses" the minister said.