The government has resubmitted the lithium mining agreement with Barari DV Ghana Limited to Parliament for consideration, after initially withdrawing the deal to allow for further stakeholder consultations.
The submission has reignited debate over the proposed royalty rate of 5%, with critics arguing that it represents a reduction from the 10% rate negotiated under the previous administration.
They contend that the lower rate could undermine Ghana’s ability to derive maximum benefit from its lithium resources.
In response to the concerns, the government says it is taking steps to ensure a broader reform of the country’s mining royalty framework, aimed at achieving a more balanced and sustainable approach to resource exploitation.
Meanwhile, former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, has questioned the fairness of the royalty regime underpinning the agreement between the government and Barari DV.
He noted that the existing royalty cap has historically disadvantaged Ghana, particularly in the extraction of high-value natural resources such as lithium.
