The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has thrown its full weight behind the government’s decision to withdraw the Ewoyaa lithium agreement from Parliament for further review, describing it as “a step in the right direction.”
In a statement released, the Association also strongly rejected the Minority in Parliament’s demand for the resignation of the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, calling it a “needless political distraction.”
The group’s President, Michael Kwadwo Peppah, said the move to recall the deal with Barari DV Ghana Limited, the local subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium, for “more progressive amendments” demonstrates responsible governance.
“Having examined the commentaries and diverse perspectives, we wish to formally place on record that the Association is fully behind the withdrawal of the agreement from Parliament to deepen stakeholder engagement,” Peppah stated.
The controversial lithium mining lease has been a major subject of public and parliamentary debate in recent weeks, with critics raising concerns about its fiscal terms, royalty rates, and local beneficiation clauses. The government subsequently withdrew the agreement for what it called further stakeholder consultations and possible fine-tuning.
The Small-Scale Miners Association, which represents a significant segment of the mining sector, argued that refining the agreement should not be seen as a weakness.
“Change is the only constant in all human endeavours; therefore, the decision by government to refine the agreement should not be considered a defeatist approach or an act of inconsistency whatsoever,” the statement read.
The Association’s support offers a boost to Minister Buah, who has faced intense pressure from the opposition NDC caucus following the withdrawal. The Minority has insisted that the initial submission of the agreement to Parliament revealed flawed negotiations and poor judgment.
However, the miners urged a focus on securing a beneficial final deal for the country.
“Indeed, the discovery of lithium is a sensitive blessing, and it is our prayer that, when all is said and done, the good people of Ewoyaa and Ghana will be the greatest beneficiaries under the leadership of the sector minister,” Peppah added.
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