Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, MP for Mampong and Ranking Member, Lands and Natural Resources Committee
The Minority Caucus on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee of Parliament has launched a fierce attack on the government over what it describes as a “deeply compromised” renegotiated mining lease with Barari DV Ghana Limited, warning that the new terms threaten Ghana’s long-term economic prospects.
In a strongly worded statement issued on 26 November 2025, the Caucus accused the government and the Majority in Parliament of attempting to justify a deal that leaves the country significantly worse off—particularly the decision to reduce the lithium royalty rate from 10% to 5%.
The Minority insists that lithium, being a strategic mineral with rising global demand, should attract the best possible terms for the state. Instead, they argue, government has inexplicably chosen to weaken Ghana’s position.
They pointed to an earlier agreement signed in October 2023 with the same company, which they say was far more beneficial.
That deal contained a 10% royalty rate, 13% free carried interest for the state, additional Ghanaian equity through the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), a 1% Community Development Fund, a 1% Growth and Sustainability Levy, and a commitment to build a chemical plant to facilitate value addition.
According to the Minority, even the 10% royalty rate was previously criticized by the NDC as inadequate, with indications that Act 900 allowed room for upward adjustment. They therefore question why the government, given a fresh opportunity, opted to reduce the royalty rate—contrary to Ghana’s economic interest.
The Caucus also rejected claims by the Majority that the earlier 10% royalty provision was illegal. They cited precedents, including the 2014 Investment Agreement with Newmont and the 2016 Development Agreement with Goldfields, which had royalty rates negotiated outside the statutory 5%. They maintain that the Minerals and Mining Act gives the Minister responsible the authority to determine appropriate royalty rates.
The statement further accused the government of inconsistency and double standards, pointing to contradictions between its earlier public pronouncements and the terms of the new agreement. Issues cited include government’s reversal on the regulation of green minerals, reliance on what they term “colonial-era” mining leases, and changing positions regarding Barari DV Ghana’s Free Zone status.
The Minority is demanding an immediate reinstatement of the original 10% royalty rate, insisting that Ghana deserves a deal that prioritizes national interest over any arrangement that leaves citizens disadvantaged.
They reaffirmed their commitment to holding government accountable and ensuring that Ghana secures maximum value from its natural resources.
