The Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, Dr. Prince Arhin, has revealed that the Barari DV Lithium Agreement is poised to generate significant employment opportunities for the youth in his constituency.
This development comes in the wake of a request from the company for the agreement to be reviewed, due to a drastic fall in global lithium prices; from over $6,000 per tonne at the time of signing to approximately $600 today.
Speaking on StarrToday with Tutuwaa Danso, Dr. Arhin stated that government’s commitment to ensuring that local communities directly benefit from the country’s expanding mining sector.
“This deal is a game-changer for the four constituencies involved. According to the agreement, they will provide critical infrastructure and prioritize local content, especially when it comes to employment opportunities,” he said.
Dr. Arhin noted that he had personally reviewed the 20-page document and found much to be optimistic about.
“All I care about is jobs for my people. In my constituency, we have just a few secondary schools and some farming activities. The main commercial activity is petty trading. We once had a tile manufacturing company meant to produce ceramics, but that factory collapsed many years ago. So truthfully, there’s very little economic activity to show for,” he explained.
“That’s why the prospect of a lithium mining project in a place like Mfantseman is such a big deal. With an initial valuation of $6.6 billion, it’s massive. Even if the market price drops, I’m still excited, because this contract ensures local content inclusion. That means people from my constituency will get jobs and benefit from development programs tied to the project.”
For Dr. Arhin, it’s not just about mining, it’s about restoring hope.
“It’s about giving our youth a reason to stay, work, and build their futures locally. Why should they risk their lives traveling abroad when they can have meaningful employment right here at home?” he asked.
The project, he added, also promises skills transfer, importation of advanced technology, and overall capacity building.
“I applaud the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for his dedication and commitment to making this a reality. Truly, this is great news, and I share in the excitement sweeping through our communities,” Dr. Arhin concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
