The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has denied media reports suggesting that it has granted licences to several companies to exploit Ghana's lithium.

The Ministry in a press statement on Wednesday, July 26, insisted that the issues which have been reported within the media are untrue. 

It has thus urged the public to disregard same as it has the interests of the citizenry at the very core of its decisions.

“The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been drawn to various publications in a section of the media, to the effect that the government of President Akufo-Addo has granted licences to several companies to exploit Ghana's lithium resources against the national interest.”

“These stories are totally false. For the avoidance of doubt, no company has been granted a lease, licence and/or permit to exploit, mine and/or produce lithium in Ghana.”

“Various explorations for this mineral are currently ongoing, and the Ministry has submitted a policy proposal for the regulation, exploitation and management of Ghana's green minerals, including lithium, which is currently being scrutinised by Cabinet,” excerpts of the release said. 

It added that the government is committed to ensuring that the exploitation of these minerals and others are done in a manner that accords with the national interest.

“The overarching goal of the policy is to ensure that the exploitation of these critical minerals inure to the benefit of the people of Ghana, the true owners of these resources. When approved, it will form the basis for all agreements, leases, licences, and permits for the exploitation and utilisation of our green minerals.”

“As the Hon. Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, has stated on a number of platforms, both local and international, government is committed to ensuring that the exploitation of these minerals and others are done in a manner that accords with the national interest.”