Don’t Politicize Atlantic Lithium Deal Ratification Chiefs Plead With Parliament

 – C/R Chiefs Plead With Parliament, Political Actors

Chiefs in Ewoyaa and Mfantseman traditional area in the Central Region, have made a clarion call to Parliament through the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, as well as political actors, not to politicize the lithium agreement between Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited currently before parliament.

They argue that, the 15-year-old deal, which is taking time to be finalized in Parliament, has the potential to offer decent employment opportunities for the youth in the area and Ghanaians at large, hence should be supported by all.

According to the traditional rulers, the people of Ewoyaa, have given their blessings to the deal and therefore, urged parliamentarians to do all they can to seal the transaction to boost the local economy.

Odikro of Eguabado Traditional Area and Paramount chief of Salt Pond, Nana Anamuah II, said it is okay for the two sides in Parliament to disagree on issues based on their political differences, but that should not bar them from uniting to approve the deal, because the region stands to benefit.

Nana Anamuah II, said as chiefs, they may also have their philosophies, but they are in full support of the deal, because of its economic benefits.

“Even as chiefs, we all have our philosophies, but this lithium mining is something that is going to help our youth to get employment, so I am pleading with you.

The president is not here, so is the Speaker, but since you are here, kindly send the message to the speaker and all others involved that as chiefs, we have agreed to it.

So, whatever is left in Parliament, both NDC and NPP, should work together and ensure that it is completed, so that the mining of lithium can start.

That way, many of our youth, can get job to do, so that we can benefit. Both NDC and NPP, should reach a consensus. If both sides do not work together to finalize the deal, then it means we are going to lose out,” he pleaded.

The chief made the appeal when Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in-charge of Mining, George Mireku Duker, led a delegation from the Ministry and Minerals Commission on a working visit to the Atlantic Lithium’ site on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

Mireku Duker, called on all stakeholders in the mining sector and chiefs, to actively support and ensure the sustainability of the project.

He said, their support will not only trigger the economic progress in the Central region, but also benefit the youth in the community.

The Minister, underscored the importance of the green mineral to the indigenes and the country, urging all and sundry to pray for the deal to achieve its intended purpose.

“I will say that I am highly elated to have such a company here. The future of this area will be bright and the youth of this area are going to have something doing, therefore all hands must be on deck in ensuring the sustainability on this company.

And it is the reason why I am here on the directive of the sector minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor. So, we are here not only to fraternize but to ensure this company comes to stay and if you really mean well for this region, then when you are praying, pray for the sustainability of Lithium Atlantic,” he said.

Mr Duker, reiterated that the terms of Atlantic Lithium’s mining lease, is the best in the world and would deliver prosperity to the country.

He emphasized that, the 13percent state carried interest provided for the company’s mining lease, was one of the best in the world.

He cited the increasing of the royalty regime from the 5percent to 10percent, which would benefit the country compared to other leases.

The Takwa-Nsuaem legislator, commended management of Atlantic Lithium for respecting the local content policy that ensures that its managerial workforce largely are Ghanaians.

The deputy minister, said he acknowledge the heavy investments being made by the mining firm, despite the drop in world prices of lithium.

“They have done well investing so far irrespective of the consequences globally and that is commendable for still having the confidence to invest making sure that the future will determine the trajectory.

As I sit here, even though I don’t know whether the price will drop from $8000 to $900 is ridiculous yet they are still investing and that is commendable.

So, we need not as a country be commenting without knowing the facts in terms of fiscal regime as far as this project is concerned it is the best. Ghana is going to earn more than any other country producing lithium in Africa and one of the best globally in terms of the tax regime. So, we are doing well, the managers of the company also doing well”.

He added that, “Another point we need to be dwelling on is how they have localized the managerial architecture. Now we don’t have expatriates, those of you here they are all Ghanaians they have the expertise to manage it and that is also impressive that as a new company, the first company to produce lithium in Ghana being managed by Ghanaians that the local content initiative is commendable and I appreciate that. And I know that very soon when you start producing, people will see the impacts”.

The General Manager, Mr Ahmed Salim, in a presentation updated the visiting team on the operations of the company.

He appealed to the government to take steps for Parliament to ratify the lease agreement for the company to start commercial operation next year.

The Deputy Minister’s delegation, also paid a visit to the bereaved family of the recent accident victim of the mine and presented some items, assuring them of the government’s support and the company’s efforts to put in place competent and adequate measures to prevent future occurrence.

The Minister’s entourage includes, the Advisor of Mines to the Minister Technical Director of Mines at the Ministry, Peter Awuah, and other officials of the Ministry and Minerals Commission.

Source: Anchorghana.com