The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has refuted claims that it has authorized the production and exploitation of lithium in the nation through the issuance of mining licenses.
Although there are ongoing mineral explorations, the Ministry in a statement on Wednesday, July 26, 2026, said either it or any other government institution has issued a lease or permit for lithium exploitation and production.
According to the Ministry, the government is committed to ensuring that the exploitation of lithium and other minerals is done in a manner that accords with the national interest.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no company has been granted a lease, licence, and/or permit to exploit, mine, and/or produce lithium in Ghana. Various explorations for this mineral are currently ongoing, and the Ministry has submitted a policy proposal for the regulation, exploitation, and management of Ghana’s green minerals, including lithium, which is currently being scrutinised by Cabinet,” parts of the statement read.
Below is the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry’s full statement
26th July, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
RE: GHANA GRANTS LICENCES TO COMPANIES TO EXPLOIT LITHIUM
The attention of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been drawn to various publications in a section of the media, to the effect that the Government of President Akufo-Addo has granted licences to several companies to exploit Ghana’s lithium resources against the national interest.
These stories are totally false. For the avoidance of doubt, no company has been granted a lease, licence and/or permit to exploit, mine and/or produce lithium in Ghana. Various explorations for this mineral are currently ongoing, and the Ministry has submitted a policy proposal for the regulation, exploitation and management of Ghana’s green minerals, including lithium, which is currently being scrutinised by Cabinet.
The overarching goal of the policy is to ensure that the exploitation of these critical minerals inure to the benefit of the people of Ghana, the true owners of these resources. When approved, it will form the basis for all agreements, leases, licences, and permits for the exploitation and utilisation of our green minerals.
As the Hon. Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, has stated on a number of platforms, both local and international, Government is committed to ensuring that the exploitation of these minerals and others are done in a manner that accords with the national interest.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources wishes to assure the general public that it remains committed to the efficient, effective and sustainable exploitation and management of the natural resources of our country, in the spirit of transparency, anchored on integrity and utmost good faith, for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.
