Ghana’s ongoing lithium debate intensified on Thursday as Parliament’s Committee on Lands and Natural Resources held a high-stakes public hearing on the country’s suspended lithium agreement, drawing government officials, policy experts, civil society groups and concerned citizens.
The hearing followed the withdrawal of the original deal for broader consultations, an action triggered by public pressure and questions over transparency, economic fairness and national interest.
At the forum, Dr John Kpikpi, a resource governance advocate, argued that Ghana must take full leadership of its lithium future by ensuring that any agreement reflects long-term national value rather than short-term revenue. He insisted that Ghana cannot afford to repeat the mistakes made with gold, bauxite and oil, urging policymakers to negotiate from a position of strength.
Kpikpi stressed that lithium, a critical mineral powering global clean-energy and battery industries, must be treated as a strategic asset. He cautioned that with global demand surging, poorly negotiated agreements would lock Ghana into decades of minimal returns while foreign companies walk away with the bulk of the profits.
Other experts at the hearing echoed calls for stronger state participation, transparency in contract terms, environmental safeguards and clear community benefits. Civil society organisations pressed Parliament to ensure that any revised agreement meets international best practice and maximizes local value creation.
The Lands and Natural Resources Committee will continue its consultations before submitting recommendations to Parliament on the next steps for Ghana’s lithium policy and negotiations.
