The government has withdrawn the revised lithium mining agreement from Parliament to facilitate further consultations with key stakeholders.
Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Yusif Sulemana, announced this before Parliament on December 10, 2025.
“The reason for the withdrawal of this agreement is to enable the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to undertake further consultations with very relevant stakeholders prior to presenting it to this very important house.”
The agreement, initially presented by Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, pertains to lithium and other mineral mining in Mankessim, Central Region.
Following a request from Barari DV Ghana Limited, the agreement was revised due to a significant decline in global lithium prices affecting project viability. Global lithium prices reportedly dropped from $3,000 to $630 per tonne, rendering most lithium projects unprofitable.
Consequently, the government renegotiated royalty terms, reducing the rate from 10 per cent to 5 per cent, with plans to revisit the 10 per cent rate when prices recover. However, the deal faced criticism from various stakeholders, including the Minority Caucus, civil society organisations, experts, and traditional leaders.
Okaikoi Central Member of Parliament Patrick Yaw Boamah attributed the withdrawal to the government’s failure to heed minority concerns.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga advocated for parliamentary committees to review and recommend before approval.
The withdrawal aims to address concerns, protect local community and national interests, create jobs, and support industrial development.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
