By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The government and investors have been urged to prioritize the rights of community members in the development of the Ewoyaa Lithium projecta, Friends of the Nation (FoN), a non-governmental organization said on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by Mevuta Donkris, Executive Director, the group called on the relevant institution to ensure the development of the project was not done in haste to short change the people.
According to FoN, the ratification of the agreement marks a critical moment and that it is imperative that its implementation reflects not only national interest but also the voices, rights, and aspirations of the people most directly affected.
“As the project transitions into implementation, it is important 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 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 members,” read the statement.
The group expressed its commitment to working alongside communities, duty bearers, and other stakeholders to promote responsible natural resource governance.
Parliament last week ratified the mining lease agreement between the government and the Barari DV Ghana Limited for the mining of lithium and other minerals at Mankessim in the Mfantsiman Municipality of the Central Region.
The ratification paves the way for commercial extraction of the rare mineral deposit that is expected to position the country as a major hub for lithium mining.
The tenure of the mining lease, which covers an area of 42.63 km2, is 15 years and it is renewable in accordance with the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703).
The government negotiated a 12 per cent free carried interest in the company, compared to the 10 per cent free carried interest it has in all other mining companies in the country.
Per the agreement, which was rejected by the Minority, the company is to set aside one per cent of annual revenue for a community development fund to protect the communities impacted by its operations. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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