The Minerals Commission has rejected an attempt by a mining firm to mine in the Kakum National Park in the Central region.
The Commission said in reaction to some Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) who vehemently expressed disapproval to the request.
The CSOs’ fear arose from the granting of license to mine in the Atewa Forest Reserve and others, making them raise concerns over the request to explore the Kakum National Park.
But the Minerals Commission in a statement Monday, November 13, 2023, noted that the request was not granted to the company.
“The Commission wishes to inform the CSOs and the public that the application by High Street Limited was rejected and therefore cannot be processed or considered whatsoever,” the statement said in some parts.
The Commission went on to say that it “has deleted the application from the online mining cadastre.”
“The Commission wishes to assure the public that no mineral right whether for prospecting or mining shall be considered or granted in the Kakum National Park,” it added.
About Kakum National Park
The Kakum National Park, located in the coastal environs of the Central region covers an area of 375 square kilometres (145 sq mi).
Established in 1931 as a reserve, it was gazetted as a national park only in 1992 after an initial survey of avifauna was conducted. The area is covered with tropical forest.
The uniqueness of this park lies in the fact that it was established at the initiative of the local people and not by the State Department of wildlife who are responsible for wildlife preservation in Ghana.
It is one of only 3 locations in Africa with a canopy walkway, which is 350 metres (1,150 ft) long and connects seven tree tops which provides access to the forest.
