A strong show of unity among traditional, political, and government leaders in the Central Region has renewed calls for swift parliamentary ratification of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, touted as Ghana’s first major lithium mining venture and a potential game-changer for local employment and development.
Speaking at the grand durbar of the Odambea Festival of the Nkusukum Traditional Area, Paramount Chief Okogyeman Okese Essando IX, Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah and Mfantseman Member of Parliament Dr. Ebenezer Prince Arhin all urged Parliament to act before the year ends to unlock the full benefits of the project.
The Ewoyaa Lithium Project, led by Atlantic Lithium Ghana Limited, has been in limbo since the government signed a 15-year mining lease with the company in October 2023. Although hailed as a landmark agreement that secured Ghana a 19% equity stake and a 10% royalty rate, the deal remains unratified by Parliament – stalling the start of operations and dampening hopes in host communities.
In his address, Okogyeman Okese Essando IX described the project as the “hope of the people of Nkusukum and Mfantseman” lamenting the delay in parliamentary approval.
“We have waited patiently since 2023. The company is ready, the communities are ready, but the ratification has not been passed. Our people are frustrated because compensation and resettlement are on hold. If Parliament approves it today, within three months compensation will be paid, and resettlement construction will begin. This project will bring jobs, peace, and a future for our youth,” the chief added.
The Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, Dr. Ebenezer Prince Arhin, reassured his constituents that the issue was before Parliament and progressing toward a resolution.
“When the Ewoyaa Lithium Project starts, it will create jobs for many people in Mfantseman. In the Minister’s response, Cabinet has given the go-ahead for the Ministry to meet with Barari DV Ghana Limited (Atlantic Lithium) to ensure everything is done properly. I am very humble, yet happy, to announce to you – the chiefs and people of Nkusukum – that when the Leader of Government Business spoke on the day Parliament resumed sitting, it became clear that before the year ends, Parliament will ratify the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, which is located in Mfantseman.’
He disclosed that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, had briefed Parliament that Cabinet had already given the green light for engagement with Atlantic Lithium to finalise all outstanding concerns.
“Atlantic Lithium, we will give you the necessary support to begin mining so that my people here in Mfantseman can get decent jobs to do. I want to make this statement strongly, especially in the presence of Atlantic Lithium, that the majority of people to be employed at the Ewoyaa Lithium Project must come from Mfantseman.”
“So, Atlantic Lithium, while we in the NDC are helping to get the project ratified for you, remember – if you need people to drive excavators, we have the youth here in Mfantseman who can do the job. If you need people to sell around the project, we have them here. If you need drivers, we have them here. If you need secretaries, remember our people are here,” the legislator appealed.
Adding his voice, Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah cautioned communities to prepare for responsible mining practices even before production begins.
“Chiefs, they are coming to mine lithium here. Let’s set the ground rules early to avoid illegal mining,” he urged. Once the project starts, no one has the right to enter the concession to mine or sell the resources. Let’s put measures in place to prevent ‘lithium galamsey’ before it begins,” Mr. Eduamoah indicated.
He emphasised that the region’s leaders must work together to ensure that the Ewoyaa project does not replicate the chaotic and destructive patterns of Ghana’s illegal gold mining sector.
The Ewoyaa Lithium Project, located between Mankessim, Nkusukum, and Abura in the Central Region, is estimated to create over 800 direct jobs and 2,700 indirect jobs during its lifespan. It also promises major economic spin-offs – including skills transfer, 24-hour operations and a Community Development Fund channeling 1% of annual revenues into local roads, schools, health facilities and recreation centers.
However, nearly two years after its signing, the project’s future remains uncertain. While Mali and Zimbabwe have moved ahead with lithium production, Ghana’s first project remains on hold, caught between bureaucratic delays and global price volatility.
For the people of Mfantseman and Nkusukum, the Ewoyaa Project must not become another missed opportunity. Parliament must act swiftly, not just to ratify the project, but to turn the promise of lithium into real jobs and lasting progress for the Central Region.