As Ghana eyes lithium future, affected communities face uncertainty
Ghana's parliament has ratified a deal with Atlantic Lithium's subsidiary to develop the country's first lithium mine in Ewoyaa, marking a step toward joining the global critical minerals supply chain. The project, which has faced delays due to renegotiations and falling lithium prices, has left around 5,000 farmers awaiting compensation for lost land and livelihoods. Advocates express concern that the project may be fast-tracked without sufficient protection for community rights and environmental safeguards.
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After more than two years of delays, Ghana’s parliament has ratified a deal with a subsidiary of Australian miner Atlantic Lithium to develop the country’s first lithium mine.The company received permission to develop a mining concession in Ewoyaa in 2023, and under Ghanaian laws restrictions were put in place on agricultural and other economic activities in that area.But delays in parliamentary ratification as a result of renegotiating the deal have meant that around 5,000 farmers are still awaiting compensation for loss of access to their land and livelihoods.Advocates warn the project could now be fast-tracked at the expense of community rights, citing Ghana’s past experience with industrial mining and the environmental, social and governance challenges associated with lithium mining…
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