The Media Relations Officer of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, has dismissed claims that the Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah is avoiding stakeholder engagement on an alleged proposed 7% lithium royalty rate.
Reports had suggested the Minister was reluctant to participate in discussions on a fiscal framework for lithium royalties, following revisions from an initial 5% proposal to 7%, while some stakeholders continue to push for 10%.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom with Charles Owusu Kumi on Saturday, December 20, Mr Schandorf described the claims as unfounded, saying the Minister has demonstrated openness and accessibility.
“This is funny, I don’t know which quarters this is coming from. Just this Monday, December 15, the Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, had a crunch interaction with Civil Society Organisations at the Alisa Hotel.”
He added: “They all poured out their views and expressed their sentiments not only on lithium but also on mining exploration in Ghana. So, it’s rather curious that anybody would think that the Minister is not open to conversations. That is bogus. It’s not true that the Minister is not available. He’s greatly available and open to better consultations and engagement.”Ghana Travel Guide
The lithium mining agreement between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited was resubmitted to Parliament on Thursday, December 19, after being withdrawn earlier to allow for further stakeholder consultation.
The resubmission has reignited debate over the proposed royalty rate, with critics arguing that the revised arrangement still falls short of the 10% negotiated under the previous administration.
However, the Ministry has denied the claim that the royalty rate is fixed at 7%.
