The Government of Ghana has pledged renewed commitment to fast-track the ratification of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project lease, which has remained stalled despite a moratorium granted by the Minerals Commission in December 2023.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has now announced a coordinated effort with the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and Parliament to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and unlock the full potential of the country’s most promising lithium prospect.
Speaking during a high-level engagement with traditional leaders from the Central Region, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah reaffirmed the government’s determination to see the project advance.
“We understand the frustration of the Chiefs and the local communities. Let me assure you that the Ewoyaa Lithium Project remains a top priority for the government’s mineral development strategy.
“We are intensifying collaboration with MIIF and Parliament in the coming weeks to ensure that this ratification is completed without further delay.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Sulemana Yusif echoed this sentiment, emphasizing President Mahama’s vision for Ghana to move beyond raw mineral exports and instead build a strategic value chain for critical minerals such as lithium.
“We are committed to ensuring that Ghana develops the capacity to refine and process its mineral wealth domestically, rather than simply exporting raw materials.”
Hon. Sulemana Yusif, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Chiefs Demand Urgent Action
Despite these reassurances, traditional leaders from affected areas expressed deep frustration over the stalled progress of the project.
During a high-level meeting with the government, Paramount Chiefs from Mankessim, Nkusukum, Abura, Dominase, and Ogua voiced concerns about the socio-economic impact of the delay.
Speaking on behalf of the Chiefs, Osagyefo Amanfo Edu IV, Omanhene of Mankessim, highlighted how land allocated for the project has remained uncultivated for 16 months, depriving local farmers of their livelihoods.
“This delay has real consequences for our people. Over 2,000 hectares of land have been rendered useless, and farmers who depended on this land for their income are suffering.
“The government must act swiftly to bring the project to fruition.”
Osagyefo Amanfo Edu IV, Omanhene of Mankessim
The Ewoyaa Lithium Project is led by Barari DV Ghana Ltd, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium, and is regarded as one of West Africa’s most promising lithium ventures.
With global demand for lithium soaring due to its crucial role in electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies, Ghana stands to benefit significantly from an operational lithium industry.
Industry experts have stressed that finalizing parliamentary ratification is essential to moving the project forward.
While the government has assured swift action, bureaucratic bottlenecks continue to hinder progress.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, alongside MIIF and Parliament, is now focused on expediting the necessary approvals and addressing concerns raised by local stakeholders.
“We are eliminating roadblocks to ensure smooth execution of the project.
“Ghana must seize this opportunity to enhance its mining sector and drive industrialization through mineral processing.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
Further discussions between the government, Chiefs, and MIIF representatives are scheduled in the coming weeks to finalize outstanding regulatory matters and pave the way for full implementation.
With lithium poised to play a pivotal role in global energy transitions, Ghana’s ability to efficiently tap into this resource could provide long-term economic benefits.
Government officials and industry stakeholders agree that speeding up parliamentary ratification will be the key to unlocking investment and development opportunities.
As the government intensifies efforts to address regulatory hurdles, the country moves closer to embracing lithium as a transformative mineral for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
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