Lands  and Natural Resources Minister, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini says mining firm, Newmont  Ghana Gold Limited has not violated any of the laws regulating their operations on its Akyem concession.

Alhaji Fuseini said despite the fact that Newmont is yet to receive parliamentary approval for its Akyem concession, it does not make its  operations there illegal.

Chairman of Parliament’s  Committee on Mines and Energy, Dr Kwabena Donkor earlier this week accused the mining giant of  operating the concession without the necessary lease agreement.

According to Dr. Kwabena Donkor, the Akyem concession, which Newmont is currently mining was procured illegally.

But speaking to Joy Business, Alhaji  Fuseini described the claim by Dr. Donkor as inaccurate.

"You must understand the natural resource governance regime in this country where the natural resource in this country is vested in the president and the president can enter into agreement with any person or company that want to exploit that natural resource for the benefit of the country and the company for our mutual benefit.

"...The president, acting through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources did enter into an agreement with Newmont...[which] must be ratified by parliament; it is just one way of keeping the people informed," Alhaji Inusah stated.