The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Kwaku Asomah Cheremeh, is in the Western Region to inspect weighbridges at the Ghana Manganese Company at Tarkwa.
These bridges were installed in accordance with the government’s measure to ensure transparency in the export of manganese.
Mr. Asomah Cheremeh is also expected to inspect operations of the Chinese-managed Ghana Manganese Company at the Takoradi Habour.
Outlining the itinerary of his tour to Citi News, the sector Minister noted that, the visit will among other things tackle the misappropriation of state funds in the industry and address allegations of mistrust and tax default.
“We are here in the Western Region, first of all, to visit the port to meet with our representatives there to check the figures in respect of tonnage of all manganese ore that has been shipped since January to have an accuracy of the figures from the port and report same to Cabinet. We suspect a foul play, so we need to get the figures to put ourselves in better shape.”
“We will drive down to Elubo Junction where we will be putting a new bridge and then to Tarkwa to the Manganese Mines, inspect a bridge built and hold consultation with the management”, he concluded.
Months ago, the Ghana Manganese Company Limited was shut down following allegations that it had shortchanged government to the tune of GHc1.94 billion in taxes and royalties as well as price manipulation between 2010 and 2017.
But, after the temporary shut down, the Tarkwa-based company was asked to resume operations after a crunch meeting between the management of the company and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
The company denied the claims arguing that a report from the Ghana Revenue Authority exonerates it.
About 2,000 workers were affected by the shutdown after they were sent home indefinitely.
