Government Faces Criticism Over Lithium Agreement Inconsistencies

The Minority in Parliament has sharply criticised the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, over what they describe as inconsistencies in the handling of the Barari DV lithium agreement, demanding his immediate resignation.

Speaking to journalists, Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah accused the Minister of misleading the House by initially defending the deal as being in Ghana’s best interest, only for it to be withdrawn shortly after due to concerns over “inadequate consultations.”

“And the same agreement is later withdrawn on the basis that those requirements were not in fact fully met. Accountability must necessarily follow,” Assafuah stated, emphasizing the personal responsibility of ministers to ensure the accuracy of information presented to Parliament.

According to the Minority, the sequence of events – defending the agreement and then retracting it – erodes public trust and weakens Ghana’s position in negotiations. They argue that this inconsistency also caused unnecessary embarrassment to Parliament.

“The integrity of parliamentary oversight depends on it. While consultation and stakeholder engagement are essential, such engagement must occur before an agreement is presented to Parliament, not after it has been withdrawn under public pressure,” Assafuah added.

Lithium is a crucial strategic mineral for Ghana, playing a key role in the nation’s industrialisation, energy transition, job creation, and environmental sustainability. The Minority contends that the effective management of this resource requires clarity, consistency, and foresight, qualities they believe were absent in the Minister’s approach to the Barari DV deal.

Assafuah warned that in a functioning democracy, a minister overseeing such contradictions on matters of national importance must be held accountable. “In these circumstances, the Minority of the 9th Parliament is of the firm view that the honourable course of action is for the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to resign,” he asserted.

The call for resignation comes as civil society groups and other opposition MPs also increase their scrutiny of the agreement, which was initially submitted for parliamentary approval earlier this month. Critics point to the reversal as evidence of governance gaps and the urgent need for stronger oversight of Ghana’s strategic mineral resources.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE