Ghana’s entry into the rapidly growing global lithium market has been formalised following Parliament’s approval of a mining lease agreement for the Ewoyaa concession, despite sharp divisions over the country’s long-term resource strategy.
The agreement, signed between the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Barari DV Ghana Limited, grants rights to mine lithium and other minerals across a 42.63 square kilometre area in the Mfantsiman Municipality.
While the deal received backing from the Majority after review by the Parliamentary Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, it also reignited debate over Ghana’s approach to exploiting strategic minerals.
The Committee acknowledged growing calls for a shift toward state-led lithium development, rather than reliance on foreign concessionaires operating under royalty-based agreements.
Opposition lawmakers, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, rejected the agreement, signaling concerns about ownership, value retention, and the long-term benefits to the Ghanaian economy.
Lithium, a key component in batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage, is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of the global green transition. With demand expected to surge significantly by 2030, Ghana’s Ewoyaa project positions the country to tap into a multi-billion-dollar industry.
However, the approval also raises critical policy questions about how Ghana can maximise returns from its natural resources while balancing foreign investment with national interest. Analysts suggest that decisions taken now could shape the country’s role in the global energy transition for decades to come.
