The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme(NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has called out Franklin Cudjoe, founding president of IMANI Africa, over claims regarding the issuance of mining licenses.

Mr Ofosu Nkansah exposed what he described as inaccuracies in Cudjoe’s assertions, using official data from the Minerals Commission to counter the narrative.

Mr Cudjoe had earlier suggested that an overwhelming number of mining licenses had been issued under the current government, contributing to the rise in illegal small-scale mining, or "galamsey."

He pointed to what he believed was a relaxed approach by the Minerals Commission, leading to environmental degradation and the exploitation of Ghana's resources.

In response, Mr Nkansah in a Facebook post on Tuesday, October 8, presented figures showing that the number of licenses issued over the past few years was far lower than claimed.

According to him, the data clearly demonstrates that the Minerals Commission has not recklessly approved licenses, and that the allegations are baseless.

He emphasised that all licenses issued followed a rigorous process aimed at promoting responsible mining practices.

Mr Ofosu Nkansah has also noted that the government is taking significant steps to formalize the small-scale mining sector to curb illegal activities, contrary to what critics suggest.

"Dear Franklin Cudjoe, These are figures on Small scale mining licenses issued since 2012 from the Minerals Commission. The CEO presented this to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa 's committee in Parliament yesterday. They will issue a press release to counter all the falsehood you guys are spreading."

"NDC actually issued more licenses from 2012 to 2016 (1,402) than NPP has done in 8 years (1,014). The 2020 NPP figure was high because when the ban was lifted, there was a huge rush for licenses," he posted.