Central Regional House of Chiefs Affirms Support For Lithium Mining Agreement

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Amidst controversy surrounding Ghana's first lithium mining license issued to Barari DV Ltd, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium, the Central Regional House of Chiefs (CRHC) has affirmed its support for the agreement. 

Acknowledging the deal's imperfections, the traditional rulers expressed confidence in the potential benefits outlined by the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for the country.

Related To This: Lithium Contract Is Best For Ghana - Minerals Commission

President Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, speaking on behalf of the CRHC, announced the endorsement following a substantial meeting with Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, and prominent officials from the Lands Ministry, Minerals Commission, and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT).

During the extensive meeting, Deputy Minister Duker elaborated on various aspects of the lithium agreement, encompassing the royalty regime, free carried interest, corporate tax, the requirement for the company to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange, and the provision for a development fund for host communities. 

The chiefs, after scrutinizing the agreement's provisions, raised concerns, which were subsequently addressed by Mr. Duker and the CEO of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi.

Articulating the CRHC's decision to back the agreement, Odeefo Buadu VIII emphasized the significance of harnessing the regional lithium discovery to promote the welfare of the local populace. He underlined the imperative need to exploit the resource advantageously without waiting for a downturn in lithium prices, considering it a pivotal opportunity for the region's advancement.

Furthermore, President Odeefo Buadu VIII acknowledged the new challenges accompanying the extraction of lithium and recognized the inherent difficulties in achieving absolute perfection prior to exploitation. 

Related To This: NDC Says Lithium Deal Is Not What Ghana Needs, Calls For Reevaluation And Equity

Responding to calls from civil society organizations, think tanks, and religious leaders for the agreement to be re-evaluated, he contended that the current lithium agreement boasted superior attributes compared to existing mining licenses.

While acknowledging the imperfections of the current arrangement, the President emphasized the pressing need to seize the prevailing opportunity, emphasizing the potential for job creation and economic upliftment as compelling reasons for the CRHC's favorable disposition towards the lithium mining agreement.

Related To This: If We Keep Going This Way, We Can Never Exit IMF - Sophia Akuffo


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