Minority calls on Minister of Lands to resign over lithium deal 

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament is demanding the resignation of Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, over the withdrawn lithium agreement, citing inconsistencies and lack of transparency.  

The agreement, which was initially approved with a 10 per cent royalty rate, was withdrawn due to alleged inadequate consultations and a sharp drop in global lithium prices. 

At a press conference at the Parliament House on Wednesday, Mr Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the NPP Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, argued that the minister’s actions had undermined public confidence and weakened Ghana’s negotiating position.  

He emphasised the need for inclusive stakeholder engagement and ensuring Ghana’s resources benefited current and future generations. 

He said, “The initial 10 per cent royalty rate was reduced to five per cent, sparking criticism. Our call is of national interest to ensure Ghana’s resources benefits current and future generations.” 

Meanwhile, the government had pledged to continue engaging stakeholders to craft a beneficial deal.  

On Tuesday, November 11, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, laid before Parliament the renegotiated lithium lease agreement between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Limited for ratification, in accordance with Article 268 of the 1992 Constitution. 

Speaking on the Floor of Parliament, Mr Buah explained that the renegotiation was necessary due to the sharp decline in global lithium prices, which had fallen from $3,000 per tonne to $630.   

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, referred the lease agreement to the Committee for further scrutiny. 

However, on Wednesday, December 10, the government withdrew the renegotiated lithium agreement between the State and Barari DV Ghana Limited for broader stakeholder consultation. 

The agreement, which proposed a royalty rate of five per cent, had attracted widespread criticism from stakeholders, including civil society organisations, arguing that the previous agreement with a 10 per cent royalty rate offered the country a better deal.   

Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, announced the withdrawal on the floor of the House on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.  

Source: GNA 

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