Mining investors are raising concerns over the prolonged delay in the ratification of Ghana’s lithium mining lease, warning that the situation could weaken confidence in the country’s mining sector and investment climate. The concerns centre on the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in the Central Region, which is being developed by Atlantic Lithium through its local subsidiary, Barari DV Ghana Ltd.
The mining lease was initially signed on October 20, 2023, but failed to secure parliamentary ratification following political disagreements in Parliament. In 2025, a revised version of the lease was signed and subsequently laid before Parliament on November 11 for consideration. However, controversy over the reduction of the royalty rate from 10% to 5% and other fiscal concerns led the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to withdraw the document on December 10, 2025, to allow for further consultations.
The minister later re-submitted the revised lease on December 19, 2025, along with a proposed sliding royalty scale that would vary between 5% and 12% depending on global lithium prices. The document was referred to Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee for review and recommendation before final ratification.
Despite several parliamentary sittings and committee discussions, investors say there has been little visible progress or clear communication regarding the status of the ratification process. Some shareholders of Atlantic Lithium have warned that the uncertainty is already affecting investor sentiment toward Ghana’s mining industry, with a few reportedly reconsidering their investments.
Industry observers note that while thorough due diligence is necessary to ensure Ghana secures fair value from its mineral resources, transparency and predictable decision-making remain critical to maintaining investor confidence and advancing the country’s emerging lithium sector.
By Tanko A. Ibrahim
Source: MyJoyOnline
