‘Gov’t has no interest taking over Manganese Company’ – Lands Minister
Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Kwaku Asomah Kyeremeh has asked workers of the Ghana Manganese Company Limited to ignore rumours that the recent happenings at the company is part of government’s grand move of taking over the company.
Addressing the workers on Tuesday following the resumption of its operation after the shutdown, Mr. Kyeremeh said that, President Akufo-Adoo has no intention to own the company hence, such frivolous comments among the public have no truth.
He also noted that there is no cause for alarm because the government is rather concerned about finding an amicable solution to the challenges.
“There is a public perception that needs to be dispelled. Others are saying the government wanted to take over the company that is why it shut down. This is entirely false. President Akufo-Addo and his family have also not taken over Ghana Manganese Company. The Ministry is currently pursuing to solve the problems. All the stakeholders will come together to find the solution.”
Workers of the Ghana Manganese Company, GMC, say government acted in its own interest by reopening the company.
The Branch Union Secretary of GMC, Mohammed Seeba, says workers would have taken on the government if it hadn’t made the u-turn.
The Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) resumed operations on Monday.
This was after the government earlier directed the company to shut down over allegations of tax evasion and other infractions.
Chief Operating Officer of the company, Benjamin Atsu Quarshie in an interview with Citi News said the company will work with the government to ensure that all matters are duly settled.
“Per the directive given by the Minister, we are resuming today. We have had good discussions with the government especially the sector Minister and I believe going forward, we are going to work together to ensure that the right things are done. A committee has been set up to ensure that, the matter is brought to a closure.”
The company has welcomed the government’s decision to allow it to resume operations saying it is in the best interest of the country.
The company 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.
The Chief Operating Officer of GMC denied the claims saying a report from the Ghana Revenue Authority exonerates the company.
Days later, 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.