The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has strongly denied claims that the government cancelled a $1.2 billion bauxite lease agreement with Rocksure International.

The Ministry described the reports as false and misleading.

In a press statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, on July 30, 2025, the MLNR clarified that Rocksure was never officially granted a valid bauxite lease, and therefore, there was nothing to cancel.

According to the Ministry, the alleged lease, along with others, was not approved by Parliament before its dissolution in January 2025.

Citing a 2019 Supreme Court ruling, the statement emphasised that any lease not ratified by Parliament is legally void.

“The purported lease, along with several others, was never ratified by the 8th Parliament of Ghana before its dissolution on 6th January 2025. In accordance with a 2019 Supreme Court ruling, these unratified leases are legally void,” the statement said.

The Ministry also challenged the reported $1.2 billion value of the deal, stating that no official estimate has been made of the project or the value of the bauxite resource. It suggested that the figure was circulated to mislead the public and create unnecessary controversy.

The statement reaffirmed that the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) remains the lead agency in developing an integrated aluminium industry in Ghana. This includes securing funding, upgrading railway and port infrastructure, establishing a refinery and smelter, and revamping the VALCO plant.

The Ministry further criticised the media reports for lacking credible sources and evidence, describing them as vague and speculative.

It concluded by assuring the public of its commitment to transparency and support for President Mahama’s vision of making Ghana a leading aluminium producer in Africa.

DR/MA

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