Parliament has ratified six mining lease agreements between the Government of Ghana and mining companies, clearing the way for continued or expanded mining operations in several parts of the country. The approvals are expected to support investment, employment, and mineral production, while also generating royalties and tax revenue for the state.
The six ratified mining lease agreements
- Golden Star (Wassa) Limited
- Mineral: Gold
- Location: Wassa Akyempin, Wassa East District, Western Region
- Lease area: 63.0 km²
- Maripoma Mining Services Limited
- Mineral: Gold and other minerals
- Location: Zongoiri, Bawku West District, Upper East Region
- Lease area: 63.0 km²
- Perseus Mining (Ghana) Limited
- Mineral: Gold
- Location: Nanankaw Agyakusu, spanning the Upper Denkyira West District (Central Region) and Wassa Amenfi East District (Western Region)
- Lease area: 55.44 km²
- Perseus Mining (Ghana) Limited
- Mineral: Gold
- Location: Ayanfuri, spanning the Upper Denkyira West District (Central Region) and Wassa Amenfi East District (Western Region)
- Lease area: 51.45 km²
- Damang Gold Mine Limited
- Mineral: Gold and other minerals
- Location: Damang, Prestea Huni-Valley District, Western Region
- Lease area: 37.83 km²
- Damang Gold Mine Limited
- Mineral: Gold
- Location: Lima South, Prestea Huni-Valley District, Western Region
- Lease area: 33.58 km²
Why parliamentary ratification matters
Under Article 268(1) of Ghana’s Constitution and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), mining leases and concessions must be approved by Parliament before they become effective. This process is intended to ensure legislative oversight over the exploitation of the country’s mineral resources and protect the national interest.
Debate surrounding the approvals
The ratification was not without controversy. Members of the Minority in Parliament argued that some of the agreements contained legal and procedural deficiencies and called for additional scrutiny—particularly regarding the Damang lease. The government and Majority, however, proceeded with the approvals after the Parliamentary Committee on Lands and Natural Resources reviewed the agreements.
