Government withdraws lithium deal for further stakeholder consultations

Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, stated on Wednesday that the government had withdrawn the contentious lithium agreement from Parliament in order to facilitate more extensive consultations with important stakeholders.

Speaking to the House, the Deputy Minister stated that concerns expressed by MPs from both sides of the house, industry experts, and civil society organizations had an impact on the decision.

“Listening to my colleagues from the other side, they have made my work very easy. They have given reasons why there’s a need for us to withdraw this agreement,” he told Parliament.

He clarified that before resubmitting the agreement, the government had been persuaded by NGOs and influential figures in the extractives industry to carry out additional technical and stakeholder engagements.

He claims that the action shows the government’s readiness to manage the nation’s mineral resources with transparency and accountability.

“It is for that reason that the listening minister, the listening government, has decided that we will withdraw this agreement, do further work involving you, so that together we can move forward,” he said.

In recent months, there has been intense public debate of the lithium agreement, which aims to control Ghana’s developing lithium business. Critics contend that the provisions do not ensure enough national gain.

After the Ministry has finished its consultations and amendments, Parliament is anticipated to reevaluate the improved agreement.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com