Ghanaians have to come together and protest against the lithium deal – Sam Okudzeto

Member of the Council of State, Sam Okudzeto has joined critics of the lithium deal the government of Ghana has agreed with Barari BV.

He said the deal is not in the interest of Ghanaians therefore citizens should speak up to make sure the deal is not ratified.

Speaking at an IEA roundtable discussion, Sam Okudzeto said the government must listen to the masses.

“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.

Okudzeto’s comments come amid growing public criticism of the deal, with many Ghanaians expressing concerns that it 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.

However, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has said that the deal is the best for Ghana.

The Lands Minister defended the deal in an interview with Bloomberg, saying 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.”

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

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