Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has ignited a constitutional firestorm over the government’s decision to extend the mining lease for the Damang Mine. The concession, held by Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited, was allegedly renewed without the mandatory ratification by Parliament.
Speaking to journalists last Friday, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri legislator described the Executive’s action as a blatant disregard for Article 268(1) of the 1992 Constitution. This article stipulates that any grant or extension of a mining lease must receive parliamentary approval.
“Article 268 is unequivocal. Any grant or extension of a mining lease requires the ratification of Parliament. Yet, the government has proceeded with the extension of Goldfields-Damang’s lease without bringing it before the representatives of the people,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh declared.
He revealed that his attempts to address this critical issue with the Majority Leader at the Business Committee level have been met with silence, despite initial verbal agreements. He expressed disappointment, stating that mere agreement is insufficient; concrete, patriotic action is needed to ensure the Executive respects parliamentary procedures.
Hon. Annoh-Dompreh emphasized that his concerns transcend the issue of illegal mining. Instead, his focus lies on upholding the legal and procedural integrity of mining concessions and addressing their profound impact on the environment. He underscored the interconnectedness of land reclamation, food security, and public health, stressing the dangers of mercury and heavy metal contamination in water bodies.
“This is about responsible mining, the critical need for water and land reclamation. The implications are far-reaching – land degradation jeopardizes our food security, and polluted water sources pose severe threats to public health. We must learn from countries like Johannesburg and Botswana, where responsible mining practices are the norm,” he stated.
The Minority Whip also criticized the government’s resource allocation within the mining sector, particularly the significant funds allocated to the newly established Gold Board without a corresponding budget for environmental sustainability.
“It is deeply troubling that during the passage of the Gold Board Bill, a staggering amount of nearly $400 million was allocated, yet not a single cedi was earmarked for land reclamation, water body restoration, or sustainability initiatives. This demonstrates a clear lack of commitment to responsible mining practices,” he lamented.
He dismissed recent assurances from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources regarding the government’s commitment to sustainability, including ambitious tree-planting initiatives. “While tree planting is commendable, it cannot compensate for the failure to integrate environmental recovery into the initial planning and budgetary processes,” he argued.
While acknowledging that Goldfields-Damang is currently operating under the extended lease, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh placed the responsibility for constitutional compliance on the government.
“The onus is not on the company to seek parliamentary ratification; that responsibility rests squarely with the Executive. Until this agreement is brought before Parliament, we are unable to exercise our crucial oversight role,” he asserted.
The Minority Whip issued a strong warning, indicating that if the President fails to address this constitutional breach, the Minority Caucus will consider all available options, including seeking recourse at the Supreme Court.
He appealed to the media and civil society organizations to shed light on this critical matter, emphasizing the President’s constitutional duty to uphold every provision. “If the government persists in disregarding Parliament on this crucial issue, the Minority will be compelled to take further action. This is not merely about gold; it is about safeguarding the health, food security, and future of our nation. We will not remain silent in the face of such constitutional violations,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh cautioned.
