Parliament has approved a lithium mining agreement between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Limited for the development of the Ewoyaa lithium deposit in the Central Region, despite opposition from the Minority Caucus.
The agreement paves the way for large-scale commercial extraction of lithium, positioning Ghana to tap into the growing global market for battery minerals driven by demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
Presenting the agreement to the House, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the country would benefit from a revised fiscal regime that links royalties to international market prices.
He said under the newly enacted sliding-scale legislation, Ghana stood to earn higher revenues when global lithium prices were favourable.
“In the current dispensation, and given the global market price of lithium, Ghana will get 12 per cent royalties due to the sliding scale legislation that has matured into law,” he stated.
However, the Minority Caucus opposed the agreement, citing concerns over revenue sharing, environmental safeguards, community benefits, and the long-term value of Ghana’s stake.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said all 87 Minority Members of Parliament present voted against the agreement.
“We, the 87 Minority, vote en bloc against this lithium agreement to the extent that the Lands Minister did not carry our concerns on board and insists on presenting the report in its current form and shape,” he said.
Despite the opposition, the Majority approved the agreement, clearing the way for its implementation.
