Lands Ministry Reaches Lithium Agreement with Ewoyaa Community
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has engaged with chiefs and residents of Ewoyaa and surrounding communities to address concerns surrounding the government’s lithium agreement and outline plans for its future implementation.
Speaking on behalf of Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah during a meeting on Tuesday, December 16, Mahmoud Kabore, the ministry’s delegation leader, offered an apology for the agreement’s withdrawal. He assured the community that the pause was intended to facilitate more comprehensive consultations.
“We are committed to developing a progressive agreement that benefits both the Ewoyaa community and the country at large,” Kabore stated. He further emphasized the Lands Minister’s unwavering dedication to reaching a mutually beneficial outcome.
The discussions included opinion leaders, chiefs from Ewoyaa and Krampah, and local residents. While participants welcomed the dialogue, they voiced concerns about the slow pace of ratification in Parliament. Some residents explained that the delays were negatively impacting their livelihoods and urged the government to expedite the approval process.
Addressing these concerns, Kabore reassured the community of the government’s commitment to honouring its promises and moving the ratification process forward. Ahmed Salim, General Manager of Atlantic Lithium, and Mr Eric Stanley Acquah, MCE for Mfantsiman, echoed these assurances, stating that the delays would be resolved shortly.
This latest engagement followed a meeting with civil society organisations on Monday, December 15, designed to refine the lithium agreement before its resubmission to Parliament. The Lands Ministry has indicated that further consultations with key stakeholders are planned prior to the new submission.
The discussions reflect the government’s intention to balance the strategic development of its mineral resources with the interests of local communities, ensuring that lithium exploitation contributes positively to both regional and national growth.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
