Gov’t engages CSOs on Agyapa deal

The Government of Ghana has engaged some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the Agyapa Mineral Royalties agreement. The CSOs had vehemently opposed the deal, saying it lacked transparency and did not serve the interest of Ghana. Chairman of the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas Dr Steve Manteaw suggested to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to suspend the agreement for a broader consultation to be carried out. A Deputy Information Minister, Pius Enam Hadzide, who announced the government’s meeting with the CSOs, said at a press conference that clarity has been provided on the agreement. “The engagement was to provide clarity and information and also disabuse the minds of anybody who may have been misled to suspect wrongdoing. “We are happy to continue to engage and provide clarity to anybody or any institution or organizations that we so desire. “In the meantime even as we engage, the government shall continue to work in the interest of the Ghanaian people, use our nation’s resources to leverage our assets.” Ghana’s legislature approved the controversial Agyapa Mineral Royalty Limited agreement on Friday, August 14 despite a protest from the Minority in Parliament. Based on the agreement, Agyapa Royalties Limited (ARL) will trade shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange for private people to buy. But the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF) will remain the majority shareholder. Former President John Dramani Mahama has served notice that he will not recognize the deal if he wins this year’s elections to become the president again. By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana]]>