The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has disclosed that the mining concessions previously held by Future Global Resources Limited and Blue Gold Holdings Limited at the Bogoso-Prestea site were terminated in September 2024, during the tenure of the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Addressing Parliament on Friday during question time, the Minister provided a detailed explanation to clarify the status of the mining leases. He emphasised that the current administration, led by President Mahama, inherited this situation.
Mr. Kofi Buah indicated that Future Global Resources Limited and Blue Gold Holdings Limited are no longer the holders of the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases, effective 18th September 2024.
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According to the Minister, the termination was executed pursuant to Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution and sections 5, 16, 68, and 100 of the Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703), along with Regulation 201 of the Minerals and Mining Licensing Regulations.
Bogoso-Prestea mining leases
“Mr. Speaker, the then Minister, Honourable Samuel Jinapor, terminated the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases granted to these companies, acting on the advice and recommendation of the Minerals Commission and the immediate past Attorney General, Godfrey Yebuah Dame, pursuant to Article 88 of the Constitution,” he said.
He elaborated on the reasons behind the termination, stressing breaches of the terms of the company’s mining leases relating to section 68 of Act 703 and section 27 of the terminated mining lease agreements executed between the Republic and the companies.
“It is therefore clear that at the time of taking over as Minister, Future Global Resources Limited and Blue Gold Holdings Limited no longer held concessions at the Bogoso-Prestea mine,” he affirmed.
In response to a query about whether his office had been approached by the companies seeking access, Mr. Kofi Buah said, “Mr. Speaker, the question was on the status of Blue Gold, whether or not they had a mining lease… The answer to the Honourable Minority Leader’s question was that the company, Blue Gold and Future Global Resources, their legal status, whether they still own the mine, and that they should be allowed legal access to the concession. My answer was that their concession was terminated by the previous government, and the previous government gave the mine to a new company. They have no legal access to the mine. That is the answer.”
The Minority Leader requested that the termination letter be made available to Parliament, and the Hon Kofi Buah assured the House that the Ministry will make available all records that can be made public to this House next week.