Energy Think Tank, Africa Center For Energy Policy ( ACEP), has slammed government for taking over the Abosso Goldfields Limited, when it refused to renew its lease.
Describing it as premature, ACEP explained that the basis for rejecting the lease can be contested, because the law governing the operation of the matter in question is ambiguous.
At a press conference on April 17, 2025, the Executive Director of ACEP, Ben Boakye, pointed out that Section 27 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703) as amended states in subsection 1 that : “Where a dispute arises between a holder of a mineral right and the Republic, all efforts shall be made through mutual discussion and, if agreed, through alternative dispute resolution procedures to reach an amicable settlement”
Subsection 5 of the law, he further said provides that: “Where a holder has notified the Minister in writing that the holder wishes to refer a dispute for resolution and, but for this subsection, the term of the mineral right would expire… the term… shall continue without diminution for the period ending thirty days after the determination of the dispute.”
In view of this, Mr Boakye, indicated that the company, has formally notified the government of its intention to seek redress through arbitration as is their right and the responsibility of the state to respect same under the mining lease.
This intention, Mr Boakye, pointed out satisfies the condition under Section 27(5) and, accordingly, the mine’s operations should remain undisturbed until the dispute is resolved.
He, therefore called on the government to approach this matter in a way that should reflect diligence, legal compliance, and a genuine commitment to Ghana’s long-term mineral wealth.