The Member of Parliament for Effutu and Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has vehemently refuted claims that the government has approved lithium mining in the sacred forest of Effutu.
He asserted that the allegations were false and urged his accusers, particularly members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Effutu, to focus on genuine issues impacting the people.
“I simply want to say that this allegation is false, is never true, and the Minerals Commission two years ago stated to the effect that such an application has not even been received by them, let alone approved for a company to mine lithium in that sacred forest where we hunt for deer during our Aboakyir Festival,” he stated.
Emphasizing the importance of setting the record straight, Afenyo-Markin urged the Effutu NDC to prioritize addressing the people’s real challenges.
Addressing the matter to the media in Parliament Tuesday, the Deputy leader stressed the negative impact of spreading misinformation and falsehoods, stating, “Such a practice does not help in democracy.”
“I am reliably informed that the Minerals Commission chief executive, at a national dialogue, has had cause to reiterate that which has been put out there by the NDC in Effutu is untrue, unfounded. And that he, as the chief executive of the Minerals Commission, hasn’t signed any agreement, any lease agreement for mining of lithium in that enclave.”
Afenyo-Markin’s statements come in response to ongoing allegations suggesting that government officials, including his office, have approved the mining of lithium in the sacred forest of Effutu.
The controversy has sparked concerns among the public, prompting clarification from the Deputy Majority leader and the Minerals Commission.
In a related development, the Commission has assured that it will not recommend the grant of any mineral right for Green Metals in the area.
This follows a statement from the Traditional Authorities of Effutu and the Municipal Assembly that a mining company has been granted a mineral right over an area that is considered sacred by the people of Effutu.
According to the Commission, under the mining laws of Ghana, the Chiefs and the communities must be consulted before any mineral right can be recommended by the Commission and granted for any mineral activity or operation to take place in any area in Ghana.
The Commission revealed that Green Metals Resources Limited (Green Metals) did apply for a mineral right in the area but the Commission has not recommended the grant of any mineral right, nor has the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources granted any mineral right or lease to the company or to any company to explore or mine any mineral in the area in question.
The Commission has, therefore, requested a meeting with the Omanhene, the Traditional Council, the Municipal Assembly, and the Asafo Groups to discuss the procedures for the acquisition of a mineral right in Ghana and explain that nothing of that sort had been done.