Former Senior Presidential Advisor and Economist, Mr. Cadman Atta Mills has showered praises on the Mahama led government for seeking his input into the pending Atlantic Lithium deal in parliament.
According to Cadman Mills, the government’s willingness to engage with concerned citizens on the contentious Ewoyaa Lithium Deal agreement demonstrates remarkable and responsive governance.
Cadman’s commendation comes after a personal telephone conversation with the Chairman of the Parliament’s select committee on land and natural resources, Hon. Collins Dauda, where the chairman official sought clarification and his views regarding the proposed royalty rate for the deal.
“I AM DELIGHTED, I AM ECOURAGED, I AM IN AWE. GHANA HAS A LISTENING GOVERNMENT. WE HAVE ARRIVED.”
Mr. Cadman Atta Mills
The conversation underscores the government’s commitment to collecting a diverse range of perspectives before finalizing the controversial agreement. This open and consultative approach has left Cadman, a respected voice in the country’s governance and economic landscape, “delighted, encouraged, and in awe” of the government’s responsiveness.
“It pays to speak up and express your disagreement, ESPECIALLY when it is your government that is in power,” Cadman Mills remarked, highlighting the importance of citizen engagement in the policymaking process.
Ewoyaa Lithium Deal Controversy
The Ewoyaa Lithium Deal agreement has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with concerns raised about the potential royalty rate and the need to ensure that the country secures the best possible terms for its valuable mineral resources.
While the government grappled with these complex issues, it demonstrated a willingness to listen to the concerns of various stakeholders, including a respected stateman like Cadman Atta Mills.
During his conversation with Hon. Collins Dauda, Mills delved into the nuances of the proposed royalty rate, exploring whether a negotiated rate greater than the “standard rate” could be interpreted as a violation of the law.
This level of engagement, where the chair of the committee actively sought the perspective of a concerned citizen, has been celebrated by Cadman as a testament to the government’s commitment to making informed decisions.
Transparency and Inclusive Policymaking
Cadman Atta Mills’ praise for the government’s actions extends beyond the specific context of the Ewoyaa Lithium Deal. He recognized the government’s willingness to listen to diverse voices, including those of “no-bodies” like himself, as a hallmark of a truly responsive and accountable administration.
“Hon. Collins Dauda’s telephone call to me (a ‘no body’ just a simple concerned elder citizen and great grandfather) proves that it pays to speak up and express your disagreement ESPECIALLY when it is your government that is in power.”
Mr. Cadman Atta Mills
According to him, this underscores the government’s commitment to creating an environment where citizens feel empowered to engage with those at the helm of affairs.
He added that this commitment to transparency and inclusive policymaking is a crucial step towards building trust between the government and the people of Ghana.
By actively seeking out and considering the perspectives of various stakeholders, the government demonstrates its dedication to making decisions that truly serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
Balancing Interests and Maximizing Benefits
While the government continues to navigate the complexities of the Ewoyaa Lithium Deal, the consultative approach championed by Cadman Atta Mills provides a promising blueprint for addressing similar challenges in the mining and extractive industries.
“I also referred him to recent comments by IMANI and others on the need to also consider the “economics” and to compare the proposed agreement with lithium deals in countries in comparable situation,” Cadman Mills narrated.
By heeding the advice of respected voices like IMANI centre for Policy and Education and comparing the proposed agreement with lithium deals in countries with comparable situations, the government can ensure that the final deal not only adheres to legal and regulatory frameworks but also maximizes the economic benefits for Ghana and its people.
Cadman Atta Mills’ commendation of the government’s actions serves as a powerful affirmation of the value of citizen engagement and transparent policymaking.
The country stands at the cusp of unlocking the potential of its lithium resources, this collaborative approach between the government and its citizens and statemen can pave the way for a future where the nation’s mineral wealth truly benefits the people and drives sustainable development.
The government’s willingness to listen and engage with diverse perspectives, as exemplified in Hon. Collins Dauda’s outreach to Cadman Atta Mills, has not only earned the praise of the former Presidential Advisor but also strengthened the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable mining sector in the country.
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