Lands Ministry engages Ewoyaa traditional leaders over lithium deal

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has held successful talks with the chiefs and people of Ewoyaa and adjoining communities over government’s lithium agreement.

During an extensive community engagement on Tuesday, December 16, representatives of the Ministry interacted with opinion leaders and other key stakeholders to explain government’s new vision for lithium exploration in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the leader of the delegation, Mahmoud Kabore, apologised for the withdrawal of the agreement and the inconvenience it caused to the communities.

In a heartfelt address to the chiefs and residents of the affected areas, he explained that the withdrawal was intended to allow for further consultations to ensure a more inclusive and beneficial agreement.

Accompanied by the Media Relations Officer at the Ministry, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Mr Kabore emphasised that government’s objective is to develop a progressive lithium agreement that benefits the Ewoyaa community and the country as a whole. He added that the Lands Minister remains fully committed to achieving that outcome.

In response, the chiefs of Ewoyaa and Krampah thanked government for the engagement and expressed appreciation for the efforts made so far on the agreement.

However, they expressed concern over delays in the ratification process and urged the Minister to expedite steps toward securing Parliament’s approval.

According to the chiefs, the delay in ratification is negatively affecting livelihoods in the communities, underscoring the need for Parliament to approve the agreement as soon as possible.

Some residents of the affected communities echoed these concerns, expressing frustration over the prolonged delay and calling on government to address their challenges.

Responding to the concerns raised, Mr Kabore assured residents that government remains committed to ratifying the agreement and will not renege on its promise to see the process completed in due course.

The General Manager of Atlantic Lithium, Ahmed Salim, and the Municipal Chief Executive for Mfantsiman, Eric Stanley Acquah, also added their voices to the assurances, stressing that the delays would soon be resolved.

At the end of the engagements, the chiefs and residents welcomed the assurances from government but reiterated the need for greater urgency in completing the ratification process.

Earlier, on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Ministry held a separate meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) to refine the lithium agreement, which has since been withdrawn from Parliament.

According to the Ministry, further stakeholder engagements will be conducted before a revised agreement is resubmitted to Parliament for approval.