Lithium mining agreement held in abeyance as Minority blocks its laying

The controversial lithium mining agreement between the government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, has faced repeated obstacles in Parliament.

The government granted Barari DV Ghana Limited a 15-year mining lease to commence construction and mining of lithium at Ewoyaa in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.

This lease includes terms designed to ensure optimal benefits for the country, such as an increased royalty rate, state and Ghanaian participation, and provisions for value addition to the mined lithium.

However, the agreement, which was signed last year must be approved by Parliament to take effect.

Last week, an attempt to submit the agreement to the House was blocked by the Minority due to a lack of quorum. Another attempt to lay the agreement on Monday, July 15, was similarly thwarted.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Tamale Central MP, Murtala Ibrahim Mohammed argued on the issue of quorum, citing Order 64 of Parliament’s Standing Orders.

He criticised the NPP MPs for not being present to conduct government business, accusing them of prioritising campaigning over their legislative responsibilities.

Mr Mohammed said, “Mr Speaker, last two weeks and last week, I raised this issue. They are in our constituency campaigning, yet they expect us to execute their business for them… We could have also done that, left our legislative responsibility, but we have decided to act responsibly for the good of this country.”

Also, Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim noted that with only two weeks left before the House goes on break, there is no need to rush the lithium mining agreement.

He emphasised the need for more consultation and stakeholder engagement.

In defense, Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh stated that his side of the House had not violated any Standing Orders and accused the Minority of using the quorum issue to prevent the laying of the agreement, calling it “most unfair.”

In response, the Speaker referred to Order 64 of Parliament’s Standing Orders and called for a suspension of the House for an hour. After a headcount of 64, the House was adjourned.