The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has annuled its decision to shut down the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC).
According to the sector Minister, Kwaku Asoma-Cheremeh, the decision was reversed following meetings with the company and some stakeholders.
Mr Asoma-Cheremeh on Monday, August 5, 2019 announced the shutdown of the company for allegedly causing revenue loss of about $360 million (GH¢1.94 billion) to the state between 2010 and 2017.
According to him, the country lost $12.8 million in royalties due, $79 million in corporate taxes due and $6.1 million in dividends.
However in a sharp rebuttal, the Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Benjamin Atsu Quashie, denied the allegations saying that the company paid $31 million as corporate tax and $17 million as royalties before December 31, 2018.
Announcing the decision to allow the GMC resume work, Mr Asomah-Cheremeh said the company has agreed to expedite action towards resolution of the issues raised.
“After two meetings between representatives of government including the Ministers of Land and Natural Resources, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, top officials from the Minerals Commission and the representatives and management of GMC on August 6 and 9, the parties have agreed to expedite action towards resolution of the issues raised,” the Minister said.
ALSO READ: Over 1000 workers sent home, as gov’t shutdown Ghana Manganese Company
“In the light of the good faith shown by the company to work with government towards amicable resolution, including the joint manning of the weighbridge located at the mine and tonnages loaded unto ships to guarantee accurate computation of revenue, I have asked the company to resume its operations,” he added.
