Annoh-Dompreh Slams Government over Goldfields-Damang Lease Extension without Ratification
Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has strongly criticized the government over what he describes as a blatant breach of the 1992 Constitution following the extension of the Damang Mine lease held by Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, Annoh-Dompreh condemned the Executive’s failure to seek parliamentary ratification for the lease extension, calling it a violation of Article 268(1) of the Constitution, which mandates that all mining leases or extensions must receive the approval of Parliament.
“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,” he stated.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh said despite his efforts to raise the matter with the Majority Leader at the Business Committee level and initial verbal agreements to act, the issue has been met with silence.
He stressed that the situation demands not just verbal commitments but patriotic and concrete action.
The Minority Whip emphasized that his concerns go beyond legal technicalities and illegal mining. Rather, they relate to responsible mining practices, environmental degradation, and public health risks. He cited mercury and heavy metal contamination in water bodies, soil degradation, and their implications for food security and national well-being.
“This is about responsible mining. Land degradation threatens food security, and polluted water poses serious health hazards. We must learn from countries like Johannesburg and Botswana, where responsible mining is prioritized,” he said.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh further took issue with the government’s allocation of resources within the mining sector. He criticized the nearly $400 million allocation to the newly established Gold Board, lamenting the absence of any budget for land reclamation, water body restoration, or sustainability initiatives.
“It is deeply troubling that not a single cedi was earmarked for environmental recovery during the passage of the Gold Board Bill. That reflects a glaring lack of commitment to responsible mining,” he remarked.
He dismissed recent assurances by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources regarding government-led tree-planting campaigns, stating that cosmetic environmental gestures cannot replace integrated, well-funded restoration plans.
“Tree planting is commendable, but it does not address the structural failure to prioritize environmental recovery at the planning and budgetary level,” he added.
Although Goldfields-Damang is currently operating under the extended lease, Annoh-Dompreh insisted that the Executive bears sole responsibility for seeking parliamentary ratification.
“The onus is not on the company; it is the Executive’s duty to ensure parliamentary oversight. Until this agreement is brought before Parliament, our constitutional role is being undermined,” he stated.
The Minority Chief Whip however issued a stern warning that if the President fails to rectify what he described as a constitutional breach, the Minority Caucus will explore all legal avenues, including seeking redress at the Supreme Court.
He called on the media and civil society organizations to take up the issue, insisting that this is not simply about gold mining, but about protecting Ghana’s natural resources, public health, and constitutional democracy.
“If the government continues to ignore Parliament on such a critical matter, we will be forced to act. This is about the future of our nation. We will not be silent in the face of such a flagrant disregard for the Constitution,” he concluded.
Source: Felix Nyaaba | expressnewsghana.com
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