The Central Regional House of Chiefs has expressed strong endorsement and support for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, hailing it as a significant stride in harnessing Ghana’s mineral resources and fostering unprecedented development in the region.
The approval from the chiefs, signaling the green light for the commencement of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, surfaced during an engagement with traditional leaders and a delegation from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission.
The Chiefs commended the Lands Ministry and the Minerals Commission for meticulously and diligently presenting every detail of the Ewoyaa Lithium deal, providing comprehensive information to the traditional rulers.
Speaking on behalf of the sector Minister, Mr. Mireku Duker expressed allegiance to the area through his paternal lineage. He stressed that he would not endorse a deal that doesn’t serve the interests of the people of Ewoyaa, the Central Region, and Ghana as a whole.
Providing background information on why Barari DV Ltd, a Subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium, secured the deal as the explorer of the lithium ore, he explained that the government had granted a license to the company following its reconnaissance and prospecting activities at the mine.
Priority
The Deputy Minister emphasized that in granting the mining license, the government prioritized the ultimate interest of the indigenes of Ewoyaa and Ghanaians.
He highlighted the crucial role of lithium in the global fight against climate change, noting that Ghana is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the fight through job opportunities generated by the discovery.
Mr. Mireku Duker outlined the employment and socio-economic benefits that the Central Region is poised to enjoy with the exploitation of the lithium ore. He added that “the deal is one of the best in terms of mining fiscal regimes in Africa and the world.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Ayisi, assured the Chiefs of his outfit’s commitment to granting necessary licenses to companies meeting requirements.
He called for objectivity and circumspection in comparing Ghana to other countries regarding the Lithium deal, reaffirming his belief that the deal is in the country’s interest.
Commendation
For his part, the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, commended the government for engaging the chiefs on the deal, deeming the forum productive and beneficial.
He highlighted that the meeting exposed the chiefs to the substantial benefits the region stands to gain from the deal, pledging wholehearted support.
Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII acknowledged the concerns of the chiefs were rooted in the perceived lack of growth in areas where some of the country’s mineral resources are exploited, expressing hope that the lithium story will be different and more positive.
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