The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has denied media reports claiming the government had granted licenses to several companies for the exploitation of lithium in the country.
No company, it said, has been authorized to exploit, mine, or produce lithium in the country.
The Ministry, in a release, emphasized that various explorations for lithium are currently underway and stressed a policy proposal has also been presented to Cabinet for the regulation, exploitation, and management of lithium and Ghana’s other green minerals
According to the ministry, the overarching goal of this policy is to ensure the benefits of exploiting these critical minerals are directed towards the people of Ghana, the true owners of these valuable resources.
Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the exploitation of Ghana’s natural resources, including minerals like lithium, is carried out in the best interest of the nation.
He has consistently stressed this commitment on both local and international platforms.
The proposed policy, once approved, will form the foundation for all future agreements, leases, licenses, and permits related to the exploitation and utilization of Ghana’s green minerals.
The Ministry assured the public that the government remains dedicated to the efficient, effective, and sustainable management of the country’s natural resources, guided by principles of transparency, integrity, and good faith.
The denial by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources comes amidst growing concerns over the sustainable extraction and utilization of lithium, a key component in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions.
With Ghana’s lithium reserves gaining attention, ensuring responsible and equitable management of the resource has become a critical priority for the government.