"Gov't focused on crafting lithium deal that benefits Ewoyaa community and Ghana" — Lands Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says government is committed to crafting a lithium agreement that delivers tangible benefits to the local Ewoyaa community and the country at large.

Speaking at a meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) on Monday, December 13, 2025, following the withdrawal of the lithium agreement from Parliament, the Minister explained government’s new vision for lithium exploration and development.

According to him, the recall of the agreement presents an opportunity to strengthen the deal in the national interest, ensuring improved outcomes in areas such as royalties, equity participation, environmental protection and community development.

"Government is focused on crafting a deal that benefits the people of Ewoyaa and Ghana as a whole, and we welcome honest and constructive input to help us achieve that,” Mr. Buah stated.

He urged CSOs to offer frank feedback to help refine the documentation for a new agreement between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV, a local subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium.

Participants from the CSOs raised concerns and made recommendations touching on Ghana’s royalty and equity stakes, sustainability, gender inclusion, health and safety, as well as environmental safeguards.

The Minister acknowledged the submissions and assured stakeholders that their views would be incorporated into the revised agreement.

Dr. Steve Manteaw commended the Minister for opening up the process to broader stakeholder engagement, while policy analyst at the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE), Benjamin Nsiah, urged government to sustain inclusive consultations.

Further contributions were made by Patrick Stephenson of the Natural Resource Governance Institute, Benjamin Boakye of the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Samuel Bekoe of the Centre for Extractives and Development Africa (CEDA), among others.

Also present at the meeting, Atlantic Lithium Country Manager Ahmed Salim welcomed the feedback and called for continued collaboration in finalising a new agreement.

Concluding the engagement, Mr. Buah reaffirmed government’s commitment to ongoing consultations, noting that more stakeholder engagements are planned as part of efforts to ensure Ghana’s lithium resources become a lasting national benefit.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith