The clergy in Ghana has openly rejected the recent agreement between the government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, for the exploration of the country’s lithium mineral resources.
The deal, which includes a 15-year lease agreement, a 10% royalty, and 13% free carried interest by the state, has faced criticism from religious leaders.
Representatives of the Christian Council of Ghana and the Office of the National Chief Imam of Ghana expressed concerns that the deal is not in the best interest of the country.
Some members of the Christian Council argued that if the government cannot secure a deal that benefits Ghanaians, the lithium resources should remain untouched.
“We cannot as a nation sit down and let this also go down the drain and let people take it away for us to suffer, for our people to suffer.
“I think that what we ought to do is take this agreement, look at it critically, come out with what we would need… 100% should be on the table, that this is what Ghanaians need. It should ensure to the benefit of Ghanaians,” he said.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the spokesperson for Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, emphasized the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the country before signing such a deal.
He called for the contract to be abrogated and advocated for more comprehensive consultations to ensure that the interests of all parties are considered in the exploration of Ghana’s lithium resources.
“The mineral resources of our country do not belong to us alone. It belongs to the children unborn. Those who negotiate it must do it in our interest.
“Let us stop the contract, go into it and ensure that it is done in a manner that benefits Ghana,” he added.
Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo, among others are against the implementation of the lithium agreement as they believe it is not in the best interest of Ghanaians.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, signed the first-ever lease for the exploitation of lithium in Ghana on October 19, this year.
This milestone followed Cabinet’s approval of the Green Minerals Policy, which mandates prospective holders of leases for lithium and other green minerals to establish a refinery for processing the resources.
The agreement involves a 15-year lease with Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, for the mining of lithium at Ewoyaa in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region. The terms include a 10% royalty and 13% free carried interest by the state, surpassing the existing 5% and 10%, respectively, for other mining agreements.