Ghana’s Parliament Ratifies Ewoyaa Lithium Agreement: Communities Must Remain Central to Implementation
Fair Finance Ghana coalition member Friends of the Nation have released a statement in relation to the decision by Parliament of Ghana to ratify the Mining Lease Agreement between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Ltd. (subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited).
This clears the way for the development of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in the Central Region. While the project presents opportunities, it could also have negative impacts for local communities and the environment.
Ghana’s Parliament Ratifies Ewoyaa Lithium Agreement: Communities Must Remain Central to Implementation
Sekondi, Ghana – March 2026
We note the decision by Parliament of Ghana to ratify the Mining Lease Agreement between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Ltd. (subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited) clearing the way for the development of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in the Central Region.
As an organization that has been working closely with communities that will be impacted by the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, we recognize the significance of this decision to the people in the area, and how this contributes to shaping Ghana’s entry into the global lithium value chain. Lithium is a critical mineral in the transition to clean energy, and its extraction presents both opportunities and risks that must be carefully managed.
Over the past years, our work has focused on equipping affected communities with balanced, accessible, and evidence-based information on the potential impacts of lithium mining. This has been essential in enabling community members to make informed choices and decisions regarding their lands, livelihoods, and future.
While the project presents prospects such as employment, local economic stimulation, and infrastructure development, legitimate concerns also arise. These include the lack of alternative land for farming for those whose lands fall within the project area and their descendants, possible impacts on water resources, especially for an area in and around Mankessim that suffers from months of water shortages, environmental degradation, and the potential loss of traditional livelihoods for some of the over 1,500 project affected persons. We emphasize that development must not come at the expense of community rights, environmental sustainability, and long-term wellbeing.
We note that the ratification process experienced delays of nearly three years, reflecting the importance of due diligence and stakeholder engagement in decisions of this nature.
As the project transitions into implementation, it is important that the period of delay does not result in undue haste.
We strongly urge the company and relevant state institutions to avoid rushing critical processes; particularly those related to those farmlands that are in the project area which many families depend on now, compensation, resettlement, and environmental management. All actions must respect and uphold the rights, freedoms, and dignity of affected community members.
We remain committed to working alongside communities, duty bearers, and other stakeholders to promote responsible natural resource governance. We will continue to provide communities with the knowledge and tools needed to engage effectively, demand accountability, respect the right of the project proponent, and safeguard community rights.
The ratification of the Ewoyaa Lithium Mining Lease Agreement marks a critical moment. It is now imperative that its implementation reflects not only national interest but also the voices, rights, and aspirations of the people most directly affected.
Signed
Mevuta, DONKRIS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
