IMANI Centre for Policy and Education has called on Parliament to withhold ratification of the revised Ewoyaa lithium mining lease between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Ltd, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium.
The think tank’s comprehensive analysis of the deal revealed a concerning erosion of the country’s fiscal position and sovereign control over its strategic mineral resources, hence this bold move to safeguard Ghana’s national interests.
IMANI’s detailed review of the original 2023 lease and the revised 2025 agreement, as well as its own financial modeling and assessment of international best practices, led the organization to the undisputed conclusion that the current proposal significantly weakens Ghana’s bargaining power and undermines the long-term benefits for the nation and its people.
“IMANI insists that Ghana must secure a deal that protects citizens’ value, ensures enforceable local beneficiation, and embeds strong fiscal safeguards, not one that shifts commercial risks to the state while guaranteeing returns for the investor.”
IMANI
IMANI’s Concerns and Demands
At the heart of IMANI’s criticism is the government’s decision to reduce the royalty rate from the previously negotiated 10% to a fixed 5%.
The think tank argues that this move is not justified by legal constraints, as the Minerals and Mining Act provides the necessary regulatory framework for the government to set higher rates.
“There is no immutable legal bar preventing Ghana from setting a higher royalty for lithium. Whether for all minerals via updated regulations or for lithium as a strategic mineral via a targeted regime,” IMANI asserted, challenging the government’s narrative of being legally bound to a 5% cap.
The think tank further highlights the inconsistency in the government’s approach, noting that Ghana owns history of operating variable, price-linked royalty regimes that have exceeded 10% in the past.
IMANI contends that the current decision to lower the rate represents a “political construct” rather than a legal necessity.
Safeguarding Ghana’s Interests
The think-tank’s extensive analysis of the revised lease agreement uncovered several concerning elements that undermine Ghana’s long-term interests.
IMANI identified issues related to the lack of binding value-addition commitments, opaque off-take arrangements, and the potential for transfer pricing manipulation that could erode the country’s fiscal returns.
“Without strong anti-avoidance rules, transparent off-take pricing, and ring-fenced domestic supply obligations at arm’s-length benchmarks, Ghana risks becoming a cheap ore supplier with thin fiscal returns, while others reap the real midstream and technology rents.”
IMANI
IMANI and the Ewoyaa Lithium Deal
Being a prominent voice in shaping national policies, IMANI has been closely monitoring the Ewoyaa lithium deal since its inception.
The think tank’s deep understanding of the mining and extractives industry, as well as its commitment to ensuring equitable and sustainable resource governance, led it to take a firm stand against the revised agreement.
IMANI’s involvement in the Ewoyaa lithium deal reflects its broader mission to advocate for the protection of Ghana’s national interests.
The organization has been a vocal critic of the politicization of mineral exploitation agreements and has also consistently called for a more transparent and inclusive decision-making process that prioritizes the long-term benefits for the country and its citizens.
Demands for a Renegotiated Deal
In its statement, IMANI outlined a comprehensive set of demands for Parliament to consider before ratifying the revised Ewoyaa lease. These include restoring a higher, law-consistent royalty rate, strengthening value-addition obligations, improving transparency, and enhancing local content commitments.
Through this firm stance, IMANI aims to ensure that the country’s lithium resources are exploited in a manner that maximizes the country’s fiscal and economic gains, while also safeguarding the interests of the affected communities.
While the debate progresses, stakeholders and concerned citizens will be closely watching the outcome, which will have significant implications for Ghana’s future as a key player in the global mineral’s market.
