The Minority in Parliament has rejected the approval of six mining leases, including two involving Damang Mining owned by Engineers and Planners.
Speaking to the media, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee and MP for Mampong, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, said the Minority supports responsible mining, investment and the growth of Ghanaian-owned mining companies.
However, he said the caucus will not support any process that goes against the Constitution in managing Ghana’s mineral resources.
“The resources beneath our soil do not belong to today’s government. They do not belong to any minister. They do not belong to any political party. And they do not belong to any mining company. They belong to the Republic of Ghana,” he said.
Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong said although the Executive manages the country’s mineral resources on behalf of the people, Parliament has a duty to properly examine all mining agreements before approving them.
He said the Minority is worried about what it described as Parliament becoming a “rubber stamp” for mining lease approvals without proper scrutiny.
“The Minority rejects the growing tendency to treat Parliament as a conveyor belt for the approval of mining leases, regardless of the quality of the documentation presented or the constitutional questions that remain unanswered,” he said.
According to the Minority, Ghana’s mineral resources should be managed in a way that protects the interests of the country and its people.
His comments come after Parliament approved six mining leases on Wednesday, July 30, 2026. The leases involve Golden Star Wassa Ltd, Maripoma Mining Services Ltd, Persians Mining Ltd and Damang Gold Ltd.
The Minority also warned all mining companies operating in Ghana to obey the Constitution, the Minerals and Mining Act, and all other laws governing the sector.
“We wish to send a clear message to every mining company operating in Ghana: respect the Constitution and the laws of Ghana. The law of Ghana is not negotiable,” Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong said.
He also accused some mining companies of starting mining activities before Parliament approved their leases and said some legal and regulatory issues had not been resolved.
The Mampong MP said the Minority is keeping records of all such cases and will pursue accountability at the right time.
He described Ghana’s mineral resources as a “sacred trust” that belongs to the people and said they must be protected for future generations.
