The traditional leaders of Mankessim, Nkusukum, and Abura, communities directly affected by Atlantic Lithium’s exploratory activities in Ghana’s Central Region, have issued an urgent plea to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian Parliament. Their central demand is the swift ratification of the mining lease for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, a venture they believe holds the key to unlocking significant economic opportunities for their people. Expressing deep concern over the delays that have plagued the project since the operational moratorium imposed in December 2023, the chiefs emphasized the detrimental impact on local livelihoods, particularly in the farming and fishing sectors, and the growing potential for social unrest. They called for greater transparency and communication from the government, urging that stakeholders, especially the traditional authorities, be kept informed of any obstacles hindering the ratification process.
The chiefs’ appeal underscores the severe economic hardship faced by their communities due to the project’s stalled progress. Approximately 700 farmers and 300 property owners find themselves in limbo, unable to cultivate their lands or resume construction projects. The moratorium has disrupted their primary sources of income, leaving families struggling to make ends meet and raising fears of long-term socio-economic consequences. The chiefs highlighted the irony of this situation, given the project’s potential to generate over 800 direct and indirect jobs, providing much-needed employment opportunities for the local population, particularly the youth who have undergone training in mining-related skills. The continued delay, they argued, not only undermines the project’s economic viability but also dashes the hopes of the communities who stand to benefit from its successful implementation.
Further amplifying their concerns, the traditional leaders pointed to the significant drop in global lithium prices, plummeting from $4,000 per tonne in 2022 to under $800 per tonne in the present day. This dramatic decline, coupled with the operational standstill, has created a climate of uncertainty and eroded investor confidence, jeopardizing the project’s future prospects. They emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing the need for swift government action to prevent the complete unraveling of the project and the loss of a critical opportunity to stimulate local economic development. The chiefs appealed to their Members of Parliament, Dr. Prince Arhin of Mfantseman and Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu of Abura-Asiebu-Kwamankese, to champion the ratification process within Parliament and advocate for the interests of their constituents.
Beyond the immediate economic benefits of job creation, the chiefs highlighted the broader developmental potential of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project. They referenced the planned Community Development Fund, an initiative designed to bolster local industries through the ‘Lithium for Factories’ program, along with much-needed investments in infrastructure, including roads, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. These initiatives, they believe, represent a transformative opportunity for their communities, promising not only improved living standards but also sustainable long-term growth. The chiefs expressed their commitment to constructive engagement with all relevant parties, reaffirming their desire to ensure that the project proceeds smoothly and delivers tangible benefits to both the youth and the wider community.
The press conference held in Mankessim served as a platform for the traditional leaders to express their collective frustration over the prolonged delays and to impress upon the government the gravity of the situation. Speaking on behalf of the collective, Nana Taki V, Chief of Abonko, reiterated their willingness to collaborate with all stakeholders to find a path forward. He underscored the importance of open communication and transparency, calling for regular updates to keep the communities informed and address any concerns that may arise. This collaborative approach, they believe, is crucial to maintaining community support and ensuring the project’s ultimate success.
In closing, the chiefs appealed for calm within their communities while assuring them of their continued efforts to safeguard local interests throughout the ratification process. Their message was clear: the Ewoyaa Lithium Project represents a vital opportunity for economic revitalization and community development. The time for action, they insisted, is now. They urged the government to heed their call and expedite the ratification process, not only to secure the project’s future but also to prevent further economic hardship and potential social unrest within their communities. The plea from these traditional leaders represents a critical moment for the project and underscores the importance of collaboration and decisive action to unlock its potential benefits for the people of the Central Region.
