The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has moved swiftly to dispel growing speculation over an alleged $1.2 billion bauxite lease involving Rocksure International, stating categorically that no such lease ever received legal backing.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, the government clarified that Rocksure International has never held a legally ratified bauxite mining lease and, as such, there was no contract to cancel.
The clarification follows recent media reports claiming that the government had scrapped a lucrative deal with the local mining company. However, the Ministry described such claims as “false, baseless, and misleading.”
Lease Never Ratified by Parliament
At the heart of the Ministry’s response is a 2019 Supreme Court ruling, which requires all mineral leases to be ratified by Parliament to be legally valid. According to the Ministry, the lease linked to Rocksure was among several that were not ratified by the 8th Parliament before its dissolution on January 6, 2025. As a result, the lease in question is considered null and void under Ghanaian law.
$1.2 Billion Claim Lacks Basis
The Ministry also cast doubt on the reported valuation of the deal, dismissing the widely circulated $1.2 billion figure as “unsubstantiated and grossly misleading.” It noted that no formal valuation had been conducted to support such a figure, adding that the number appears to have been conjured up to provoke unnecessary public concern.
GIADEC Still Advancing Integrated Aluminium Agenda
The government reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to building an integrated aluminium industry through the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), which is leading efforts to secure investment and infrastructure development.
According to the statement, GIADEC continues to work with strategic partners to develop the bauxite-to-aluminium value chain, including plans for a refinery, smelter, and upgrades to the Takoradi Port and Western Railway Line.
Media Reports Criticised
The Ministry expressed concern over the nature of the media coverage, pointing out that the reports lacked verifiable sources and cited no official documentation. It accused unnamed individuals of spreading misleading information designed to cast doubt on government agencies and derail investor confidence.
“These unfounded allegations appear designed to malign the Ministry and GIADEC, undermine public confidence, and potentially deter investors,” the statement said.
As of now, Rocksure International has not publicly responded to the controversy. However, the Ministry maintains that any future leases will follow due process, including parliamentary ratification, in line with legal precedent and national policy objectives.
