Govt Has Not Approve Any Deal To Mine Lithium In Effutu ‘Sacred Forest’- Afenyo-Markin

Member of Parliament for Effutu constituency, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has vehemently denied claims that the Akufo-Addo-led government has approved a deal to allow for the mining of lithium in the sacred forest of Effutu.

He described the allegations as false and urged the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) members in Effutu to concentrate on genuine issues affecting the community.

Afenyo-Markin emphasized the inaccuracy of the accusations, stating, “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.”

Addressing the media in Parliament on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, Mr Afenyo-Markin who doubles as the Deputy Majority Leader emphasised the importance of setting the record straight and urged the Effutu NDC to prioritize addressing real challenges faced by the people instead of spreading misinformation. He underscored the negative impact of such practices on democracy.

“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 what has been put out there by the NDC in Effutu is untrue, and 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.”

Meanwhile, the Minerals Commission has revealed that Green Metals Resources Limited had applied for a mineral right in the area but emphasized that no recommendation for the grant had been made.

According to the mining laws of Ghana, consultation with Chiefs and communities is mandatory before any mineral right can be granted. The Commission expressed its commitment to discussing procedures for mineral rights acquisition with relevant stakeholders, including the Traditional Council and Municipal Assembly.

The Commission clarified that neither Green Metals nor any other company had been granted a mineral right or lease by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to explore or mine any mineral in the disputed area.