Barari DV Ghana Limited, granted 15-year Mining Lease to commence the construction and mining of lithium
Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, has been awarded a Mining Lease by the government for a period of fifteen (15) years. This lease allows the company to undertake the construction and extraction of lithium at the Ewoyaa site in the Mfantseman Municipality, located in the Central Region of Ghana. Notably, the Mining Lease includes revised terms aimed at maximizing the benefits derived from this valuable mineral for the country. These terms comprise an increased royalty rate, involvement of the State and Ghanaian entities, and the promotion of value addition to the mined mineral. The government’s decision to grant the Mining Lease follows the completion of comprehensive prospecting and feasibility studies conducted by the company. This was followed by a series of negotiations between the government and Barari DV Ghana Limited. The lease encompasses an area of approximately 42.63 square kilometres, conferring upon the company the exclusive right to engage in lithium and associated mineral extraction, while adhering to the country’s mining laws. Lithium plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, which are being widely promoted as an alternative to fossil fuels in the ongoing battle against climate change. The combustion of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines is a major contributor to the climate crisis. In response, global leaders are advocating for a transition to green energy, aiming to progressively reduce and eventually eliminate carbon emissions. Several countries have already enacted legislation to phase out vehicles that rely on fossil fuels. This has given rise to a burgeoning market for the battery industry and the minerals necessary for battery production, often referred to as green minerals or critical minerals. Currently, African countries that extract lithium tend to export the mineral in its raw form. In 2017, Barari Ltd. initiated exploration efforts for lithium in the country and identified significant deposits of high-grade lithium in commercial quantities in Ewoyaa. Geological investigations have also revealed lithium deposits across various regions of the country, spanning from the south to the north, primarily around Cape Coast, Kumasi, Sunyani, Bole, and Wa. However, the country has yet to commence mining operations for this mineral. During a brief ceremony to formalize the signing of a Mining Lease for Barari DV Ltd., Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, emphasized that the government has taken a different approach in handling this particular mineral compared to others. As a result, it was crucial to establish a special policy for the exploitation and management of this mineral before granting any Mining Lease. After extensive consultations, the Cabinet approved a policy specifically addressing the exploitation and management of green minerals, including lithium. The Mining Lease awarded to the company incorporates the policy that has been approved by Parliament. The Minister clarified that this lease differs from the standard Mining Lease, as it includes the mutually agreed-upon terms between the government and the company, based on the Cabinet-approved policy. Mr. Jinapor highlighted that the agreed-upon terms ensure that the Ghanaian government and its citizens receive greater value from the mining of this mineral. In terms of specific details, he noted that the royalty rate has been increased from the standard five percent (5%) to ten percent (10%), and the State’s free carried interest in the mining operation has been increased from ten percent (10%) to thirteen percent (13%). The mining operation will see an increase in Government ownership, with an additional 6% stake acquired through the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF). The Company’s parent entity listed on the Australian and London Stocks Exchange will also have a 3.06% ownership by the Government. To promote local participation, the Company will be required to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange, allowing Ghanaian entities and individuals to invest in the business. Furthermore, the Company has committed to contributing 1% of its revenue to a Community Development Fund, which will support the development of communities affected by their operations. Additionally, the Company aims to establish a chemical plant for lithium processing. If unable to do so, the Company will supply its lithium to any third-party chemical plant in the country. These measures aim to generate more job opportunities and promote overall development in the mining communities and Ghana as a whole. The Government acknowledges the impact of mining-on-mining communities and is determined to guarantee that these communities, as well as Ghanaians who legally own these minerals, reap their benefits. It urges the company to strictly adhere to the mining laws and the agreed-upon terms with the Government while focusing on responsible, sustainable, and environmentally friendly mining practices. Mr. Niel Herbert, the Executive Chairman of Atlantic Lithium Limited, expressed gratitude to the Minister and the Government for their collaboration in achieving this significant milestone. He emphasized the importance of the Ewoyaa project to the company and its willingness to collaborate with the Government to ensure the responsible exploitation of this mineral for the betterment of Ghanaians. He further assured compliance with Ghana’s laws and commitment to maintaining a safe mining environment. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Judgement case of Galamsey kingpin Aisha Huang to be given on Dec 4
The Accra High Court has scheduled December 4, 2023, as the date for the judgment in the case of En Huang, also known as Aisha Huang, who is alleged to be the leader of an illegal mining operation. The decision was made by Justice Mrs Lydia Osei-Marfo in the Criminal Division of the court after all parties submitted their written arguments. During the court proceedings on Thursday, Justice Osei-Marfo announced that only the judgment date remained to be determined. As a result, December 4, 2023, was set as the date for the delivery of the judgment. Aisha Huang has pleaded not guilty to charges related to conducting unauthorized mining activities and facilitating the involvement of others in illegal mining. However, she has pleaded guilty to illegally returning to Ghana after being deported, and she has been convicted of this charge. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
GNASSM-BD commends Sampson Wiredu’s committee after recommendation to interdict Robert Boazor
Sampson Wiredu Committee a committee formed by the National President of the Ghana Small Scale Miners to investigate Robert Boazor Tampoare over a petition by Smale Scale Miners Bolga district and Unique Mining Group a mining group operating in Gbane Community in the Talensi District has been concluded. The report by the five-member committee, says “Robert Boazor Tampoare has been interdicted until the final determination of the case and therefore asked for the entire Bolgatanga District Executive to be dissolved”. The report also directs that an interim executive should be put in place to manage the affairs of the small-scale miners, pending next year’s election of a substantive executive. Following the outcome of the investigation, the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners Bolga District (GNASSM-BD) has commended the Sampson Wiredu Committee for what they described as a ‘detailed job’ done by acknowledging their challenges and providing a solution to deal with it. “The committee realized that all district executives were appointed without any competitive recourse. The district treasure Zondong Samari Koolog indicated he was not present on the day of the congress which had less than 26 participants. Also, some of the zonal executive who met the committee denied knowledge of the district executives especially the district secretary”. “On the mining concessions takeover, the committee established that Robert Tampoare did not inform and involve any of the district executives”. “Members are relieved from the pain and the frustration that Robert Boazor Tampaore had taken us through, Robert Boazor Tampoare is currently before the High Court 1 in Bolgatanga on a matter of fraud against members of the Unique Mining Group who reported him to the police for fraud”. The statement captured. Below are the full press release Below are the excepts of the investigative report and recommendation by the Sampson Wiredu’s committee. Meanwhile, when this platform contacted Robert Boazor Tampoare for his response following his interdiction, he declined to speak with the excuse that the case in the court. “The committee didn’t have the right to do what they are doing; the committee will get their own trouble” Robert Boazor responded Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Court dismisses Earl International Group GH Ltd and Wei Xing application against Yenyeya Mining Group
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, the Bolgatanga High Court 1, led by Justice Charles A. Wilson made the decision to dismiss the application brought against Yenyeya Mining Group by the legal team representing Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited and its CEO, Wei Xing. Apenewsgh.com report The application sought to nullify the writ of summon filed by Yenyeya Mining Group. Based on the available information on this platform, Yenyeya Mining Group, the plaintiff, claims that in September 2008, a contract was established with Shaanxi Mining Ghana to assist his small-scale mining operations. Yenyeya Mining Group alleges that the defendants, Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited and their CEO, Wei Xing, failed to fulfill their responsibilities outlined in the agreement. On May 12, 2023, Yenyeya Mining Group (the Plaintiff) filed a lawsuit against Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited (the 1st defendant company) and Wei Xing (the 2nd defendant chief executive), seeking the following remedies: A. Compensation for the infringement upon the Plaintiff’s rights through the conversion of its ownership of a small-scale mining concession by the defendants. B. An injunction compelling the 1st defendant company to immediately cease all illegal operations carried out within the Plaintiff’s concession. C. A permanent restraining order prohibiting the defendants from engaging in any illegal mining activities within the Plaintiff’s concession. However, on the 19th June 2023, the defendants (Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited and CEO Wei Xing) filed a conditional appearance and filed a process to set aside the writ claiming Yenyeya Mining Group (the Plaintiff) did not have the capacity to sue the defendants. Ruling on the applications, Justice Charles A. Wilson announced to the court that he would address first the 1st defendant’s (Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited) application to set aside the writ of summons, on the judge’s opinion, his explanation was that, if the 1st defendant (Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited) application to set aside the writ of summons is granted, it would render the plaintiff action otiose. In support of the application, the first defendant deposes and argues that the plaintiff, even though it is a licensed mining company is not a legal entity that is clothed with the capacity to sue and be sued. Furthermore, Justice Wilson acknowledged the parties counsel and agreed that there are two motion applications which they have respectively made, awaiting this court’s ruling. Giving his ruling on the said application, Justice Wilson said: “I would deny the application because it seeks largely the same injunctive relief. The application for an interim injunction by the plaintiff is refused”. According to the judge, Order 37 rule 2 of High Court Civil Procedure Rules C.1 47 provides. “it is the duty of the parties, their lawyers and the court to avoid all unnecessary adjournments and other delays, and to ensure that causes or matters are disposed of as speedily as the justice of the case permits.” “In the context of the above, the defendants are ordered to file a defense within 10 days from the date hereof”. “Cost of Ghc 5,000.00 is hereby awarded to the Plaintiff/Respondent Yenyeya Mining Group” the Judge rules. Despite the absence of Lawyer Joseph Awakpaksa legal representation for Earl International Group Ghana Gold Limited and CEO Wei Xing, the court proceeded with the ruling. Lawyer Juliet Dale Agbo, representing Yenyeya Mining Group, provided additional details on the court proceedings to Apexnewsgh.com. The defendants’ counsel filed an application stating that the plaintiff lacks the legal standing to sue them, as they operate within the plaintiff’s concession area. “And you know the plaintiff has an agreement beginning from the days of Shaanxi and then, somewhere somehow, they changed the company from Shaanxi to Earl International and we have proof of all that. They changed from Shaanxi Mineral Processing to Earl International and these can be found in the Registrar General’s records. So, our search revealed that they initially changed Shaanxi to Shaanxi Mineral Processing Company and then subsequently to Earl International”. She stressed “So, in their application, one of the grounds they were standing on was that Earl International does not have any agreement with the plaintiff, that it was Shaanxi he had an agreement with. So, we produced all these documents to show that now indeed, Shaanxi has now become Earl International and the record with the registrar of companies has shown that is indeed the case”. “Today’s ruling is just the right thing to do, the plaintiff has the capacity to be in court to get redress for the bridge of the agreement which exists between the two parties”. “They have been ordered to file their defense within Ten days” She concluded Brief History: The Managing Director (MD) of Yenyeya Mining Group Charles Nadanbon brought Shaanxi now Earl International Group Ghana Limited into Ghana in 2008 to provide mining support services. Over the years, they formed a strong relationship, as evidenced by pictures showing their collaboration in China before the expansion in Ghana. However, in 2017, when Earl International (formerly Shaanxi) attempted to expand on a larger scale, they entered into a new agreement with Yenyeya Mining Group. Regrettably, the two businessmen are unable to meet and resolve their current differences. Find the ruling below: COURT RULING WED SEP 20, 2023 Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Small-scale miners frawns over Energy Minister’s pronouncement about whistle blowers
According to the small-scale miners, the government’s decision to offer incentives for reporting gold smugglers is unfair and counterproductive. They argue that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of smuggling rather than penalizing the already struggling miners. Apexnewsgh.com report One of the main challenges faced by small-scale miners is the lack of access to legal mining concessions. Many of them operate in unauthorized areas or have been denied permits due to bureaucratic hurdles. This pushes them into clandestine activities, including smuggling, as they try to make a living. Additionally, the miners face difficulties in accessing formal financial services and capital for their operations. This lack of financial support limits their ability to invest in proper equipment and technology, leading to lower productivity and higher costs. There are also concerns about the high taxes and levies imposed on small-scale miners, which further hamper their profitability. These miners argue that reducing these taxes and creating a more favorable regulatory environment would incentivize them to operate legally and contribute to the formal economy. The small-scale miners are calling on the government to consider their plight and engage them in finding sustainable solutions. They believe that collaboration and support, rather than punitive measures, are key to addressing the challenges in the mining sector and curbing smuggling. The government has yet to respond to the specific concerns raised by the small-scale miners. However, it is expected that further discussions and consultations will take place to find common ground and develop effective strategies to tackle gold smuggling while supporting the livelihoods of those in the small-scale mining industry. Mr. Peprah argues that the Oil-for-Gold deal, which requires oil importers to repay their debt in gold instead of cash, has led to a decrease in the demand for locally produced gold. This, in turn, has affected the ability of small-scale miners to sell their gold and generate income. He further asserts that this situation not only harms the miners’ livelihoods but also undermines the government’s efforts to curb gold smuggling. With low gold prices, illicit traders are able to offer higher prices, attracting miners to engage in illegal activities. The Small-Scale Miners Association is therefore calling on the government to reconsider the implementation of the Oil-for-Gold deal and find alternative ways to stabilize petroleum product prices without negatively impacting the gold market. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these concerns and whether any adjustments will be made to address the issues raised by the small-scale miners. d to these concerns and whether any adjustments will be made to address the issues raised by the small-scale miners. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Informant about gold smugglers leading to an arrest, will get 20% of the gold—Energy Minister
The Ghanaian government is taking proactive measures to tackle gold smuggling and maintain the gold-for-oil policy. To strengthen these efforts, Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh has suggested a unique approach of rewarding whistleblowers with gold. Apexnewsgh.com reports The primary goal of these measures is to regulate the outflow of gold from Ghana, guaranteeing that the Bank of Ghana possesses an ample supply of gold for exchange. This enables the country to obtain cost-effective fuel through the gold-for-oil policy. By incentivizing Ghanaians to expose gold smugglers, Dr. Prempeh believes that the program’s sustainability and effectiveness will be greatly enhanced. Making citizens watchdogs against gold smuggling is expected to strengthen the country’s ability to control the illicit trade and ensure the smooth operation of the gold-for-oil policy. These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the gold-for-oil program and protecting Ghana’s natural resources. By actively combating gold smuggling, Ghana aims to safeguard its economic interests and maintain a strong position in the global gold market. The proposed policy is to offer a 20% gold reward to individuals whose tips provide information leading to arrests. This proposal is currently being considered for formal policy adoption. “We’re saying anybody who gives a tipoff or tells us and identifies anybody smuggling gold and leads to an arrest, that person will get 20% of the gold. And I’m sure very soon they’ll come up’, he said, adding: “Because I believe that nobody makes 20% of this whole business, the person who is coming to buy the gold doesn’t make 20%”. “So, if Ghanaians who are aiding them to smuggle the gold now can benefit from 20%, [it’ll curb the smuggling],” he said. “The level that is being exported to lobby is gradually tipping, so, we might come up formally and announce that policy,” he said at the Rotary Club of Accra Ring Road Central on Tuesday, 22 August 2023. Dr. Prempeh said Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Minerals Commission secures land to construct office edifice in the Upper East Region
The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council (UERCC) has apportioned two plots of land to the Minerals Commission to construct its regional office edifice in the Regional Capital Bolgatanga. The allocation of the land is seen as a significant milestone for the Minerals Commission, as it will enable them to provide better services to the mining communities in the Upper East Region. The Regional Minister, Hon Stephen Yakubu, expressed his satisfaction with the allocation of the land and emphasized the importance of the Minerals Commission in the overall development of the region. He assured the Commission of the region’s commitment to supporting their activities and urged them to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management of mineral resources. The construction of the regional office is expected to enhance the coordination of mining activities and promote the sustainable development of the region’s mineral resources. It will also provide a platform for the Commission to engage with stakeholders, such as small-scale miners, local government authorities, and community members, to address their concerns and ensure responsible mining practices. The Regional Manager of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Benjamin Atigah, expressed his appreciation to the UERCC for their support in securing the land. He stated that the office would greatly improve the Commission’s operations in the region. He also assured the Minister that the construction firm would be closely monitored to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe. The Regional office of the Minerals Commission would provide services such as mineral rights registration, mining license issuance, and monitoring of mining activities in the region. In addition, it would serve as a hub for small-scale miners to access information and guidance on mining regulations, thereby promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
$300m dispute: Court places injunction on mining firm
The Commercial Division of the Accra High Court has placed an injunction on Australian mining firm, Cassius Mining Limited, from going for international arbitration over a $300 million dispute with the Government of Ghana (GoG). Cassius Mining has been fighting the government in international arbitration forums since February this year, seeking compensation for what, it claimed, were unfair treatment and breaches of mining laws by the GoG’s failure to extend the term of the company’s Prospecting Licence Agreement (PLA) after exercising its contractual right of extension. The court, presided over by Justice Akua Sarpomaa Amoah, imposed the injunction yesterday after it upheld an application by the Attorney-General (A-G), Godfred Yeboah Dame. The A-G had argued that per the PLA, any dispute between the mining firm and the GoG ought to be settled by arbitration in Ghana in accordance with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 798), and not by an international arbitration panel. Court’s decision In upholding the application for injunction, Justice Amoah held that Cassius Mining failed to convince the court that it would suffer greater hardship, if the arbitration was done in the country. On the other hand, the judge was of the view that the GoG stood to suffer greater hardship, if the arbitration was done outside the country. “The balance of convenience also tips in favour of the applicant (A-G) as allowing the respondent to resort to international arbitration is not only arbitrary but will incur costs on the Ghanaian tax payers,” Justice Amoah held. Again, the court was of the considered view that the dispute settlement clause in the PLA, which enjoined the parties to resort to arbitration in Ghana, was an enforceable contract which was binding on the two parties (Cassius Mining and GoG). “The respondent (Cassius Mining) is restricted from instituting any international arbitration or taking any steps to initiate an international arbitration until the arbitration initiated at the Ghana Arbitration Centre by the respondent is determined,” Justice Amoah ordered. Challenge This is not the first time the A-G has successfully challenged Cassius Mining’s decision to go for international arbitration over the dispute. In March this year, the A-G successfully challenged the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands, to hear the dispute after Cassius Mining had filed for arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules before the PCA. Raising a preliminary legal objection, Mr Dame argued that the GoG had not consented to the PCA administrating the arbitration and also per the PLA, any dispute between the two parties must be resolved in Ghana in accordance with Act 798. The PCA upheld the objection by Mr Dame, declined jurisdiction over the dispute and refused to constitute a panel to hear the dispute. “The PCA Secretary-General may act as appointing authority under the UNCITRAL Rules, if all parties so agree. The PCA understands that no such agreement has been reached in this matter,” the PCA said in a letter dated March 20 this year to the parties. Background Per court records, on October 12, 2016, Cassius Mining Limited applied for a prospecting mining licence to explore minerals in Talensi in the Upper East Region. On December 28, 2016, the government, through the then Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, granted the mining firm a prospecting licence for two years, which was to expire in December 2018. On June 14, 2018, Cassius Mining alleged that the government had failed to uphold its part of the contract by not renewing the prospecting licence which was set to expire in December 2018. The mining firm, therefore, dragged the government to the Ghana Arbitration Centre on June 26, 2018, in accordance with the dispute settlement clause of the Prospecting Licence Agreement, which enjoins the parties to settle their disputes in Ghana in accordance with Act 798. An arbitral panel, which comprised Emmanuel Amofa, Kizito Beyuo and Professor Albert Fiadjoe, was formed to hear and determine the dispute. However, per the court documents, on January 23, 2019, Cassius Mining applied for a stay of proceedings for three months in order to explore settlement with the government. After the expiration of the three months, the mining firm applied for an extension which was granted but nothing was heard about the arbitration, although it was still pending. In February 2023, Cassius Mining instituted fresh arbitration at the PCA, which declined to hear the matter following the objection raised by the A-G. Graphic Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Third community mining scheme launched in Amansie West
The government has launched an innovative and responsible small-scale mining initiative in Banko, a town in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region. Endorsed by the World Bank and mining experts, this module aims to create employment opportunities for 2000 men and women in the region. The Banko Community Mining Scheme (CMS) was officially launched on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, with the presence of George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, alongside traditional authorities and other government officials. During the launch, Mr. Mireku Duker, representing the Sector Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, revealed that the government is fully committed to the success of this project. Logistics and personnel support will be provided by the government to ensure the scheme’s smooth operation. As part of their efforts to promote responsible mining practices, the government has procured a number of mercury-free machines to aid in the recovery of precious minerals, with one such machine allocated to the Banko CMS. To ensure environmentally friendly operations, regional officers, a geologist, and a mining engineer will be assigned to the concession to oversee operations and minimize adverse effects on staff and the environment. During his speech, the Deputy Minister reiterated his concerns about illegal mining and warned that those found engaging in such activities will face severe legal consequences upon apprehension. He urged the local chiefs and residents to play their part in fighting illegal mining, emphasizing that they have the authority to arrest individuals involved in such unlawful practices. Mr. Mireku Duker, who is also the lawmaker for the Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency, expressed optimism that the Banko township and nearby areas will experience significant development following the implementation of the Community Mining Scheme. Mr George Obeng Takyi, the Member of Parliament for Manso Nkwanta Constituency, hailed the project as a great initiative that will alleviate poverty and unemployment in the region. He urged his constituents to refrain from illegal mining activities and emphasized the importance of protecting Ghana’s valuable resources. The Banko Community Mining Scheme is the third of its kind in the Amansie West District and brings the total number of CMS concessions in the country to 22. With the support of the government and various stakeholders, this responsible mining approach is expected to have a positive impact on the local community and contribute to Ghana’s sustainable development. Classfm
TAMA Foundation organizes a paralegal training workshop for 50 participants from selected mining communities in the north
Executive Director Center for Public Interest Law (CEPIL) Lawyer. Augustine Niber has taken a group of Civil Society and Community based Organizations and individuals from the 5 regions of the north through extensive legal training on mining laws, regulations, and policies. Engaging with the media, during a 2 days Paralegal training workshop organized by TAMA Foundation Universal for Members of Community Action Groups in Northern Ghana under NaRAING phase 2 project, Lawyer Niber expressed that the programme is to provide participants with a basic overview of the law that governs the mining sector. “It was geared towards looking at how Gold, particularly as a resource in the country, the legal laws governing this resource, and how mineral applications are made. Particularly, we tried to reiterate that gold or any form of Natural resource or mineral that is found is vested in the President on behalf of the people of Ghana and that harnessing these resources is to be geared towards the overall development and benefits of these communities”. Explaining further he said, the communities were taken through the Mineral and mining act particularly Act 703 and the provisions related to the Act, and also, “we looked more specifically at the issue of the revenue stream as provided under the Mineral and Mining Act, how those resources are generated and the fact that a legal regime is the one that governs the amount of physical resources we get from the operations of the mining sector”. “We also looked to a larger extent the benefits that accrue for the mining companies and the benefits that accrue to the government at large and we zero it down specifically to issue of compensation as a basic requirement under the law, that before a company goes unto a land that belongs to a community, individual or a family that the entry of into the land is subject to the payment of compensation. Then, we had the opportunity to closely look at issues of compensation, the principles that guide the determination of compensation”. According to Lawyer Niber, what was important, is to let participants know that in times of determination of compensation, it is through negotiations between the owner or lawful occupier and that of the mineral lands holder and this is to be done and where there is any disagreement, a reference should be made to the Minister for the first attempt to be solved before any attempt to seek another judicial process in resolving the level of compensation that is due the people. “So generally, the programme is intended to equip them basically with the aspect of the laws and regulations that govern the minerals and the mining sector and to better equip them within their communities to look out to many of the issues that arise in these mining-related communities”. And very importantly, an attempt is to try to prevent the issues of mining-related conflict that occur in other areas from happening in the communities and usually, it is at the inception stages of mining that creates most of the legacy issues and issues that bring about conflict. And once a community or group of people are knowledgeable about the law, at least they are able to ensure that the entry requirements and any other related mining issues are addressed at the early stage. Participants who spoke to Apexnewsgh.com, could not hide their joy, they extended their gratitude to TAMA Foundation Universal, CEPIL, and Ford Foundation, especially for the education they received during the training workshop. One of the participants from Bongo District of the Upper East Region Hon. Philemond Ataba, Assembly member for Soe Tamolga Electoral Area said, he enjoyed the training because his community Bongo Soe is one of the community’s things are going on wrongly and community members are not happy about it. “We have learned a lot of things that will guide us as a community to work with these small-scale miners. There are some laws Lawyer Niber mentioned when he was presenting especially with compensation and now, we understood some of the activities”. He said Osman Kanton Luriwe, Executive Director, ASUDEV, said the workshop has been very significant, he expressed satisfaction for being part of the paralegal training on mining which will their communities. “Where I come from, the Sisaala Area there is no particular mining company operating there but we have a few illegal mining activities going on in some communities. But once we have minerals there, it means there is a possibility that in the near future, some mining licenses may be issued and the training we have undergone today has given me enough information about mining laws in this country, about the rights of communities in term of their engagement with government for the release of area for mining”. The acting President of the Upper East Youth Association Adingo Francis described the paralegal training workshop as an eye-opener. “With what we have learned today, is a great eye-opener for us and I just pray that we implement it in our communities. Because we realized that companies are coming into our various communities and all we see, is that opinion leaders like the chiefs, the DCE, and the Assemblyman are the beneficiaries but, if you go into the community the people that the activities of these mining companies affect there is nothing for them. “Per the laws we have seen, in this 21st century, we shouldn’t have those laws again in our books. Because, per what is currently in the book, it was made to give more incentives to foreign companies because of their technical know-how. But yet, the resources are with us. You can imagine depending on a portion of land where your house is, where you farm and all of a sudden they say the lands and the minerals are all vested in the hands of the President in trust for the people. I think the people that draft the constitution did that thinking we will have good leaders who think about the