The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has stepped in to mediate an ongoing dispute between Azumah Resources Ghana Limited and Engineers & Planners Company Limited, urging both parties to resolve their differences within seven days.
In an official letter dated July 10 and addressed to the Chairman and CEO of Azumah Resources Limited and Engineers & Planners respectively, the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasised the need for an amicable settlement to prevent delays in the commencement of a major project believed to involve the two companies.
“I have decided to grant the parties a final period of seven (7) days within which to resolve the matter amicably,” the Minister stated.
“Should this period elapse without a mutually agreed resolution, a decision shall be taken in the best interest of the country,” he stated.
The nature of the dispute has not been detailed in the Ministry’s correspondence, but it has generated public attention following press releases and media commentary issued by both companies in recent weeks.
In his letter, the Minister urged the disputing parties to halt public statements and focus on constructive dialogue.
“I strongly urge all parties to refrain from addressing this matter through the media and instead focus on constructive dialogue and responsible engagement.”
To support efforts at reconciliation, the Ministry has directed the Minerals Commission to play a facilitative role in bringing the matter to a close. The Commission is expected to assist in ensuring that the disagreement does not impede the progress of the yet-to-be-disclosed project.
The communication was copied to the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, indicating the government’s seriousness about finding a resolution.
Neither Azumah Resources nor Engineers & Planners has issued an official response to the Ministry’s latest directive at the time of publication.
