Sam Okudzeto Rallies Ghanaians To Demand Better Lithium Deal For The Country

A leading member of the governining New Patriotic Party (NPP) Sam Okudzeto has joined the tall list of prominent citizens speaking against the recent lithium deal government has entered into with Barari BV.

According to the learnered Sam Okudzato the current deal is not the best for the country hence the need for government to reconsider it.

Mr Sam Okudzato also a Member of the Council of State who was speaking at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) urged the need for government to listen to the call by masses of citizens.

“This lithium agreement is not in the best interest of Ghana. That’s my view. And if you all agree with me, let’s all make a statement in support of the IEA to say that we do not think that this agreement is in the interest of Ghana and that we have to relook this matter. I don’t want to condemn the MPs, but we will caution them and advise them to do what is right and what is in the interest of Ghana,” he added.

The Council of State member’s assertion adds to the growing public criticism of the deal, with many Civil Society Organiosations, academia, media and members of the public expressing concerns that the agreement in its current form does not adequately address the country’s long-term interests.

Critics argue that the deal grants Barari BV overly generous terms, including a low royalty rate and a long exploration period.

The government has defended the deal, arguing that it will attract much-needed investment and create jobs. However, Okudzeto’s intervention adds weight to the growing calls for a review of the agreement.

In a related development, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, still insists that the lithium deal entered into with Atlantic Lithium of Australia remains the best mining lease ever in the West African country’s history.

The government says it will get 13 percent in royalties with a 30 percent stake in Atlantic Lithium compared to other mineral agreements.

The Natural Resources Minister once again defended the deal when he granted an interview with Bloomberg, insisiting that it will be beneficial to Ghana and that the country is retaining the highest end of the value chain as much as possible.

“Green minerals, lithium, energy transition, and all of that, our president and his government have insisted that we treat these minerals differently from other minerals in the past, which is why we have come up with a policy on the management, exploitation, and utilization of the green minerals of our country, including lithium.”

By: Christian Kpesese