A five-year research report has accused Atlantic Lithium of violating the rights of farmers during exploration activities for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in Ghana’s Central Region, citing inadequate compensation, destruction of farmlands and unresolved community grievances.
The study, conducted by **Friends of the Nation> (FoN) in partnership with Oxfam, found that many farmers in the Mfantseman Municipality and Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District had their farms entered without prior notice, with crops destroyed before compensation issues were addressed.
Presenting the findings during validation workshops at Afrangua and Saltpond, FoN’s Natural Resource Governance Coordinator, Solomon Kusi Ampofo, said the most serious rights violations occurred between 2017 and 2019 during the company’s initial geological exploration.
According to the report, compensation paid to some affected farmers was inadequate, while others continue to suffer emotional, psychological and economic hardship resulting from the exploration activities.
The report further alleged that Atlantic Lithium excluded naturally occurring trees from compensation assessments, despite many households depending on them for income through charcoal production. FoN argued that this practice was inconsistent with the provisions of Ghana’s Legislative Instrument (LI) 2175 of 2021, which requires compensation for crops, expected income and other losses arising from mineral activities.
Researchers also raised concerns over the operation of community negotiation committees, pointing to power imbalances, intimidation of members with dissenting views and the low participation of women, who accounted for less than 10 per cent of committee membership.
FoN recommended stronger protections for committee members who express opposing views, greater representation for women and young people, and improved safeguards for affected communities.
Despite the concerns raised, the report acknowledged several positive steps taken by Atlantic Lithium, including its decision to await parliamentary ratification of the mining agreement before commencing mining operations. It also commended the company for engaging with civil society organisations, allowing FoN to observe some negotiation meetings and investing in corporate social responsibility projects, including water supply, education, infrastructure and other community development initiatives.
Responding to the findings, Atlantic Lithium rejected claims that it violated the rights of farmers or landowners. A company official told the Ghana News Agency that landowners were informed through traditional authorities before exploration activities commenced.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constructive engagement with host communities and said it would continue implementing community development and corporate social responsibility programmes while sustaining dialogue with affected stakeholders.
