Central Regional House of Chiefs has thrown its support behind the Ewoyaa Lithium project, countering initial opposition from various civil society actors and organizations, including the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).
The decision to endorse the project, which has been met with skepticism from certain quarters, marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse surrounding the extraction of lithium resources in the region.
President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, emphasized the crucial role of green minerals like lithium in the global transition toward cleaner energy. He asserted the imperative need to capitalize on the resource found in the region, stating, “As a Regional House of Chiefs, we want to take advantage of this opportunity. We must make a decision and do so on time. So, we have decided to take advantage and mine it for the benefit of our people.”
Acknowledging that the lithium agreement with Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Australian-based Atlantic Lithium Company, may not be flawless, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII asserted that it represents an initial step in harnessing the resource. He expressed confidence that challenges identified in the agreement could be addressed.
In an interview following an engagement with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resource at Cape Coast in the Central Region, the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs added that while those opposed to the deal may have valid reasons for their resistance, the House believes it will ultimately serve the best interest of its people.
The approval from the chiefs serves as a crucial green light for the commencement of the extraction of the country’s lithium deposits, pending the ratification of the agreement by Parliament. This development follows mounting opposition to the inaugural lithium lease, which covers a span of 15 years.
The agreement with Barari DV, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Company Limited, includes new and enhanced terms aimed at ensuring optimal benefits for the country from the mineral. This encompasses an increased royalty rate, state and local participation, and value addition to the mined mineral.
Deputy Minister in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker, who led officials of the ministry, including the Minerals Commission, in engaging the traditional rulers, explained that the government was committed to granting a license to the company while ensuring the ultimate interest of the indigenous people of Ewoyaa and Ghanaians.
He highlighted the integral role of lithium in the global fight against climate change, emphasizing that Ghana is well-placed to contribute significantly to this fight with the discovery of lithium. Additionally, he outlined the employment and socio-economic benefits the Central Region is poised to enjoy with the exploitation of the commodity.
Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, reassured the chiefs of his outfit’s commitment to ensuring that mining activities benefit host communities.
As the debate surrounding the lithium project continues, the endorsement from the Central Regional House of Chiefs introduces a new dimension to the ongoing dialogue and decisions surrounding the exploitation of lithium resources in the country.