Lands Ministry engages Ewoyaa chiefs, citizens in a hit lithium settlement talks

Introduction

The Ghanaian Lands Ministry recently convened a high‑level dialogue with the chiefs and citizens of Ewoyaa and neighbouring communities to discuss the lithium settlement that the federal government intends to implement. This engagement, which took place on 16 December 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s strategic mineral agenda. By bringing together traditional authorities, local opinion leaders, and community members, the Ministry seeks to align the nation’s lithium development plan with the aspirations of the people who live atop the country’s promising Ewoyaa lithium deposit. The following article unpacks the key take‑aways, provides essential background, offers a critical analysis, and supplies practical advice for stakeholders who wish to navigate the evolving landscape of Ghana’s lithium sector.

Key Points

High‑level diplomatic apology and renewed commitment

Speaking on behalf of the Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah‑Kofi Buah, delegation chief Mahmoud Kabore issued a formal apology for the earlier withdrawal of the proposed settlement. He explained that the pause was intended to facilitate broader consultations, and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to finalising an innovative deal that benefits both Ewoyaa and the wider nation.

Stakeholder participation and community concerns

The meeting gathered chiefs from Ewoyaa and Krampah, local opinion leaders, and ordinary citizens. While the dialogue was welcomed, participants raised legitimate concerns about delays in parliamentary ratification. Some community members argued that the prolonged timeline is already adversely affecting livelihoods, especially those dependent on agriculture and small‑scale mining.

Government assurances and upcoming legislative steps

In response, Mahmoud Kabore assured the gathering that the government will honour its commitments and that the settlement will be laid before Parliament without further delay. Parallel assurances were offered by Ahmed Salim, General Manager of Atlantic Lithium, and Eric Stanley Acquah, Municipal Chief Executive of Mfantsiman, who highlighted that outstanding technical and financial issues will be resolved promptly.

Continuation of stakeholder‑centric processes

The engagement follows an earlier consultative session with civil‑society organisations on 15 December 2025. The Ministry has indicated that additional consultations will continue, aiming to refine the settlement before its resubmission to Parliament. This iterative approach underscores a broader policy shift towards inclusive decision‑making in Ghana’s strategic mineral development.

Background

Ghana’s lithium potential and the Ewoyaa project

Ghana’s lithium resources have attracted international attention over the past decade, particularly the Ewoyaa lithium deposit located in the Central Region. The deposit, estimated to contain several hundred million tonnes of high‑grade lithium spodumene, is being explored by Atlantic Lithium under a joint‑venture arrangement with the Ghanaian government. If developed, the project could position Ghana as a key supplier of battery‑grade lithium for the global electric‑vehicle market.

Legal and regulatory framework

The Mineral Act of 2016 (Act 703) governs mining activities in Ghana, establishing the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as the primary authority for granting licences, leases, and other regulatory approvals. Section 71 of the Act requires any mineral agreement that involves revenue sharing or community benefits to be ratified by Parliament before implementation. Consequently, the settlement under discussion must receive legislative endorsement to become legally binding.

Economic and social significance of the settlement

Beyond generating foreign exchange, the lithium settlement is expected to deliver a suite of community‑development benefits, including:

• Direct employment opportunities for local youth.
• Infrastructure upgrades such as road and power improvements.
• Revenue‑sharing mechanisms that fund education, health, and agricultural extension services.

These anticipated benefits explain why the Lands Ministry is treating the settlement as a strategic instrument for balancing national mineral ambitions with the welfare of host communities.

Analysis

Strategic implications for Ghana’s mineral sector

The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader trend in which African countries are seeking to capture a larger share of the value chain associated with critical minerals. By securing a robust settlement, Ghana can:

1. Enhance fiscal revenues through royalties, corporate income tax, and profit‑sharing.
2. Demonstrate a stable, investor‑friendly environment that may attract further exploration ventures.
3. Strengthen its negotiating position in future agreements with multinational mining firms.

Community empowerment versus development risks

While the Ministry’s inclusive approach is commendable, the community’s concerns about parliamentary delays reveal a potential risk: prolonged uncertainty can erode trust and deter investment. Effective mitigation requires:

• Transparent communication about the legislative timeline.
• Timely disbursement of interim compensation packages.
• Concrete commitments to capacity‑building programmes for local entrepreneurs.

Legal considerations and compliance

From a legal standpoint, the settlement must comply with several statutory requirements:

1. It must be consistent with the Mineral Act and any subsequent amendments.
2. It must undergo parliamentary approval as mandated by Section 71.
3. It should incorporate clear dispute‑resolution mechanisms to address any future disagreements between the state, the mining company, and the community.

Failure to meet these criteria could expose the government to litigation and international arbitration, jeopardising the project’s viability.

Practical Advice

For community leaders and citizens

Community representatives should:

• Maintain a documented record of all grievances and proposed solutions.
• Engage with independent legal counsel to monitor parliamentary proceedings.
• Leverage local media to keep the public informed about negotiation milestones.

For the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

The Ministry can accelerate the process by:

• Publishing a clear schedule for parliamentary ratification.
• Establishing an inter‑agency task force that includes representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI).
• Offering interim benefit‑sharing arrangements while the final settlement is under legislative review.

For investors such as Atlantic Lithium

Investors should:

• Provide regular updates to stakeholders about regulatory progress.
• Prepare contingency plans that address potential delays without compromising project timelines.
• Continue investing in community‑development projects to maintain social licence to operate.

For civil‑society organisations

CSOs can play a monitoring role by:

• Conducting independent impact assessments of the lithium project.
• Facilitating dialogue sessions between the government and affected communities.
• Advocating for transparency in the allocation of settlement revenues.

FAQ

Conclusion

The recent engagement between the Lands Ministry and the Ewoyaa chiefs and citizens underscores Ghana’s commitment to integrating strategic mineral development with community welfare. By apologising for the earlier withdrawal, reaffirming its dedication, and promising a swift parliamentary submission, the Ministry has signalled a proactive approach to resolving outstanding issues. Nevertheless, success hinges on transparent timelines, robust legal compliance, and sustained dialogue with all stakeholders. If these elements are effectively managed, the lithium settlement could become a model for how Ghana leverages its critical mineral resources to foster inclusive prosperity while maintaining its position as a competitive player in the global clean‑energy supply chain.

Sources

1. Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources – Official Press Release, 16 December 2025.
2. Atlantic Lithium Ltd. – Corporate Update, December 2025.
3. Parliament of Ghana – Legislative Tracker, 2025.
4. Ghana Mineral Act, 2016 (Act 703).
5. Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) – Annual Report 2024/2025.
6. Life Pulse Daily – “Lands Ministry engages Ewoyaa chiefs, citizens in a hit lithium settlement talks”, published 17 December 2025.