The Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, with support from the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has paid a working visit to the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) at Nsuta Wassa in the Western Region.
The engagement formed part of Parliament’s oversight responsibilities and the Chamber’s efforts to facilitate constructive dialogue between policymakers and the mining industry.
Mr Sanja Nanja, Vice Chairman of the Committee, said such visits were crucial in deepening Parliament’s understanding of the sector.
“Our role as Legislators is not only to enact laws but also to gain first-hand knowledge of the challenges and contributions of the extractive industries.
“This enables us to advocate better for both government and industry in ways that ensure sustainable growth,” he stated.
Officials of GMC reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting all fiscal obligations and briefed the Committee on tax payments and dividends, highlighting its contribution to national revenue.
A major topic of discussion was the construction of a manganese refinery. While acknowledging delays, the Committee urged GMC to take ownership of the initiative, stressing that value addition was critical to Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.
The company also raised concerns about inadequate railway infrastructure, which continues to hinder efficient transport of manganese ore to ports, thereby increasing operational costs and disrupting export timelines.
The Committee was further informed of ongoing exploration activities within GMC’s concession and adjoining areas to extend the mine’s life beyond its current 30-year lease, which expires in 2049.
At the close of the engagement, three priority areas were identified for urgent attention – construction of the refinery, development of railway infrastructure and tackling illegal mining within the concession.
Mr Sanja Nanja assured the company of Parliament’s support, urging GMC to formally submit its challenges and requests to guide the Committee’s advocacy with relevant government agencies.
Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, commended the engagement, noting that it exemplified the Chamber’s role in fostering dialogue between government and industry to resolve bottlenecks and ensure mining continues to deliver value to Ghana’s economy and communities.
From Erica Apeatua Addo, Wassa Nsuta
GNA
