Government’s handling of the mining sector has come under fire following the plummeting of the country’s ranking in the global mining attractiveness index by seven points.
The immediate past Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has blamed the government’s lack of transparency and clarity in its policies for the decline, which he says is deterring investors and threatening the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
Speaking on the issue in Parliament, the former minister emphasized the need for the government to put in place measures to ensure transparency and clarity in the mining sector, while also safeguarding the interests of Ghanaians.
He noted that the government’s action of introducing a sliding scale for royalties, had created uncertainty and undermined investor confidence.
The minister’s comments come as Ghanaians grapple with the rising cost of living, exacerbated by a spike in petrol prices.
He warn that the situation risks worsening, with transport costs coupled with a possible surge in inflation in the coming weeks.
In lieu of the foregoing,the Damongo legislator urged government to take immediate action to cushion the impact of the crisis on citizens, including convening an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the situation.
In contrast to the current government’s inaction, the former minister pointed to the leadership shown by President Kufuor during the 2008 global financial crisis, when he removed taxes on oil and rice to provide relief to Ghanaians.
Samuel Jinapor also cited President Akufo-Addo’s measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including free electricity and water, as examples of the kind of leadership needed to address the current crisis.
The NDC has also come under fire for its handling of the economy, with the MP accusing them of hypocrisy for downplaying the impact of global events on Ghana’s economy when they were in opposition.
The former minister urged Ghanaians to hold their leaders accountable and demand action to address the crisis.
As the situation continues to unfold, Ghanaians are looking to their leaders to show the kind of leadership and vision that will steer the country through these challenging times.
By Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor
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