Lands and Mining Watch Ghana (LMWG),a civil society organization has urged President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo to as a matter of urgency, intervene and restore sanity and rule of law in the mining sector.
“The President in these difficult times of massive depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi should be more concerned about how our gold moved out of the country to shore up the cedi’s stability”.
Addressing the media at a press conference, the Convener for Lands and Mining Watch Ghana (LMWG), Mr. Solomon Owusu lamented that, there is the need for an urgent need to immediate implement a resolute action to address the rampant impunity demonstrated by Angela List and her accomplices in the illegal exportation of gold from Adamus Resources. “The Government of Ghana must assert its authority and fulfill its responsibilities to safeguard the nation’s interests in the mining sector”.
LMWG further called on the media, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders to unite in demanding accountability and transparency saying, it is imperative that those responsible for violating the law are held to account as measures are put in place to prevent such flagrant disregard for court orders and national interests from occurring in the future.
Mr. Solomon Owusu emphasized that, transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law are essential for the sustainable management of Ghana’s natural resources likewise, the equitable distribution of their benefits among all citizens. “We are also calling on the media to see this development as a call to duty to follow the court proceedings regarding this matter with eagle eyes to ensure that the country Ghana is not short changed”.
According to him, the conduct of the Attorney General’s office in providing questionable advice to Angela List and Nguvu Mining regarding the effect of an injunction application, is deeply troubling.
He said such interference in judicial matters undermines the independence and impartiality of the judicial system and erodes public confidence in the administration of justice. “The Attorney General’s role is to uphold the law, not to circumvent it or undermine the authority of our courts”.
LMWG Mr. Solomon Owusu indicated, is appalled by the revelation that Angela List, in collaboration with some individuals, politicians and security officials orchestrated a bold and illegal scheme to export gold valued at over 7 million USD from Adamus Resources, a cornerstone of Ghana’s mining industry.
“This egregious violation of the law has been facilitated under the guise of the non-existence of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), in direct defiance of the consequential orders issued by the esteemed Accra High Court”.
The Government of Ghana Mr. Owusu averred, must fulfilled its duty to protect its interests, particularly its substantial 10% stake in Adamus Resources. “However, the concerning indifference exhibited by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in addressing this matter promptly raises serious doubts about its commitment to upholding the nation’s sovereignty in the mining sector. Furthermore, the collusion of certain security agencies in facilitating the illegal exportation of gold, despite a pending injunction application, undermines public trust in the integrity of law enforcement institutions and calls for urgent investigation and corrective action”.