Kofi Bentil accuses Minerals Commission of undermining Ghanaian-owned mines

IMANI Africa's Kofi Bentil has criticized the Minerals Commission for undermining Ghanaian-owned mining companies, alleging a questionable revocation of mining rights. He urged the government to intervene and ensure the law is respected. The controversy stems from the Commission's actions against Northern Ashanti Mines Limited and other local mining firms, which Bentil claims contradict the policy of indigenisation.

Northern Ashanti Mines Limited challenged the Commission's takeover of its Konongo premises, disputing claims of a $8.3 million debt and asserting they had complied with Section 68 of the Minerals and Mining Act. The company invested over $100 million in the mine since its acquisition in 2019. Bentil warned that abrupt regulatory decisions can undermine investor confidence, stating the company had invested approximately $200 million.

He argued that the law provides a process for addressing breaches, and questioned whether the Commission followed legal requirements. Bentil also raised concerns about inconsistencies between presidential instructions and the Commission's actions, citing the case of Adamus Resources and allegations of armed men entering Narawa Mines, resulting in a death.

He called for the broader legal disputes to be resolved through the courts, warning the handling of these disputes could send the wrong signal to investors.