The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that Ghana-Barari Lithium deal is not in the best interest of the nation.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor has assured Ghanaians that government will not allow the export of lithium in its raw state.
For this reason, he said, government had infused in the lithium agreement between it and Barari DV Ghana Limited a clause that ensure the retention of a significant part of the mining value chain locally.
But the NDC disagrees.
In a statement issued by the National Communication Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi stated that there challenges with the agreement the government has entered into with Barari DV Ghana Limited.
“These facts completely belie the claim by government, that Ghanaian participation in the Ewoyaa Lithium project will be 30%. Beyond Ghana’s Free Carried Interest of 13% and the wholly inadequate 6% Equity acquired by MIIF, there are no specific provisions in the lease agreement that provide with certainty, a Ghanaian participation rate of 30% in the foreseeable future.
“Again, it is interesting to note, that under the shareholding structure of the company, there is a 4.4% Equity in the name of “Previous Land Owners”. In the spirit of transparency, the NDC demands a full disclosure of the identities of the Beneficial Owners of that 4.4% Equity and how that was arrived at. Ghanaians deserve to know who these “previous land owners” are.
“In the face of all these pertinent issues, particularly, the non-existence of a feasibility report and a mandatory requirement for the local processing of our lithium resources, the NDC is of the view, that the Ghana-Barari Lithium deal is not in the best interest of Ghana.
“Thus, the ratification of the Mining Lease agreement executed by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP Government, should not even arise at this stage. It is our considered position, that Parliament should not consider the ratification of the Lease Agreement until all these pertinent issues are satisfactorily addressed in the best interest of Ghanaians,” Mr. Gyamfi stated.
Below is the full statement from NDC
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
