The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has defended the Ghana-Barari DV lithium agreement.
He spoke at a forum organized by some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on December 15, 2023.
Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor disclosed some critical components of the deal, which make it unprecedented, Ghanaian-centered, and better than previous agreements.
He dispelled false narratives, demystified myths, and cured political mischief that was generated following the deal. He forcefully advanced the viewpoint that no government has ever signed a more profitable deal that has the interests of Ghanaians at its core.
The Minister went on to explain the various clauses within the agreement, asserting his conviction that they signify a departure from the historically exploitative colonial approach to Ghana’s mineral resources.
Hon. Jinapor stated that these clauses align with the Ghanaian-centered approach, which prioritizes the country’s economic growth and development.
The Lands Minister mentioned the listing of Bavari DV on the Ghana Stock Exchange which allows for potential Ghanaian investment through the purchasing of shares, the obligation for local participation, and the value addition clauses as key components of the deal that contrary to some assumptions, ensures that Ghanaian interests reign supreme in the exploitation of the lithium ore.
“This is the first time that by law, we have made provisions that this company will have to list on the Ghanaian Stock Exchange. They are also required to have a minimum of 30% Ghanaian participation. We already have 19% so we have 11% and it could be more. This arrangement is the number one factor that in my mind jettisons the colonial term of mining.
“The second one is value addition. We’ve always had export of raw materials but this is the first time we have signed a mining lease with clauses which state that they will have to retain a significant proportion of the value chain by establishing a technical plant and refinery here in Ghana. It has never happened before,” he said.
Armed with credible and relevant information from other countries, Hon. Jinapor, maintained that the lease agreement was the best the country could have negotiated.
“Australia accounts for 52% of global lithium production. Chile accounts for 25%. Zimbabwe is the largest lithium-producing country in Africa and their grades are better than ours but when it comes to royalties, Australia pegs at 5%, Mali pegs its 6%, and Zimbabwe at 5%. The Ghana government has negotiated a 10% benefit which is twice Zimbabwe and Australia and 4% more than Mali,” he said.
He also refuted accusations that the deal has been shrouded in secrecy, explaining that transparency has been the hallmark of this deal and that the signing ceremony with an active media presence is enough indication of the commitment by the government to the tenets of transparency and accountability.
While welcoming criticism and feedback from the public, Hon. Jinapor urged critics to propose alternative and better deals instead of outlandishly rubbishing the one signed by his outfit.
He assured Ghanaians that the government will continue to pursue strategies, policies, and commitments that serve and protect the best interest of the country.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in October, signed the first-ever Lithium Lease Agreement with Lithium Atlantic, an Australian mining firm, for mining of the mineral at Ewoyaa in the Central Region meanwhile speaking on Joy Fm’s Super Morning show earlier on Friday, December 15th, 2023, the Lands Minister used the platform to dismiss claims by a section of the public that the whole deal is being rushed stressing that “ government did not rush in signing Atlantic Lithium agreement “, he maintained.