The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has announced plans to constitute a committee to audit permits and licenses issued by the former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor.

In an interview on Joy FM's Top Story on Tuesday, March 18, he stated that the audit will focus on the permits issued between December 7 to January 7.

“My colleague, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, and I will soon be setting up a committee to audit some of the permits issued by the former minister between December 7 and the handover to the NDC government under President Mahama on January 7.

"Approximately 55 to 57 permits were issued. The question is, why would anyone issue such a high number of permits within that short period?” he questioned.

He further emphasised the importance of compliance with environmental regulations, noting that under the new EPA law, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit is a prerequisite for obtaining any license.

According to him, “I have had discussions with Professor Browne Klutse since she took over at the EPA, and she has not signed any permits."

"This raises serious concerns and underscores the need for a thorough audit, particularly of licenses issued after December 7,” he added.

The minister also criticised the Minority’s stance on the pre-laying of l.i. 2462, suggesting that they were not being sincere in their position regarding the matter.