The Lands Minister has refuted claims that he has extended mineral rights to some mining company after he was sworn in as Minister.

According to Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, none of these rights were also granted following his assumption of the office.

Mr Jinapor, who is currently embarking on the fight against illegal mining has been accused of granting licenses to mining companies as well as authorizing others to mine despite ban on mining in forest reserves and water bodies.

But according to the Ministry in a press statement, the allegations are unfounded.

“The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been drawn to a publication to the effect that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, has, since becoming Minister, granted and/or extended certain mining leases or licenses.

“The said publication further alleged that while the Hon. Minister was publicly suspending mining licenses he was secretly granting same to his favourites.

“For the records, the Ministry wishes to state categorically that since the assumption office by the Hon. Minister he has not granted and/or extended any Mineral Right,” portions of the statement read.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is, therefore, entreating members of the general public to discard such rumours and continue to have “confidence in the Ministry to discharge its mandate with integrity and in utmost transparency.”