The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has announced plans to set up a committee to audit permits and licenses issued by former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor.
According to him, the decision follows the discovery of about 55 permits issued during the transition period.
Dr. Muhammed revealed this on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, citing preliminary investigations.
“Approximately 55 permits were issued after the election. The question is, why would anyone issue such a high number of permits within that short period?” he questioned.
“I spoke to the EPA boss, Prof. Brown Klutse, and she confirmed she hasn’t issued any permit. So my colleague, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, and I will hold a press conference this morning. We will inaugurate a committee to audit and review all the permits,” he stated.
The minister noted that some of the permits and licenses were issued under suspicious circumstances and must be scrutinized.
“This is one way of addressing the galamsey menace,” he added.
He further emphasized the importance of compliance with environmental regulations, stating that under the new EPA law, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit is a prerequisite for obtaining any license.
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