Traditional leaders from Ewoyaa, Krampakrom, and surrounding communities in the Central Region have raised strong objections to the government’s recent decision to reduce the royalty rate on lithium mining from 10% to 5%.
The controversial move, which follows a request from mining company Barari Ghana Limited, comes amid claims of a significant decline in global lithium prices.
The chiefs argue that the 5% royalty rate is a “shortchange” for the communities and could severely impact their long-term development. They are particularly concerned about the lack of proper consultation with local stakeholders before the decision was made. In a statement to Citi News, Charles Paa Grant, secretary to the chief of Krampakrom, stressed the importance of engaging communities thoroughly before implementing such changes.
“We were only made aware of the consultation process through a call for inputs published in the newspapers, which coincided with a local workshop on the Resource Index Dashboard,” Grant said. “To cut to the chase, we believe the government should stick to the original 10% royalty rate. We don’t know if the 5% rate will remain permanent, or if it will fluctuate depending on global prices. This uncertainty is unfair to the communities who depend on these royalties.”
The lithium mining project in the region, which is poised to attract significant investment, has already disrupted local agriculture. Predominantly farmers, residents of Ewoyaa and Krampakrom are expressing concerns about the long-term effects of the mining operations on their livelihoods. As mining activities inch closer, crop cultivation has been affected, with many farmers reporting that their lands are being disrupted before the mining even begins.
Local chiefs have emphasized that the reduced royalty rate could limit the funds available for vital infrastructure and community development projects, such as schools, roads, and healthcare facilities.
Source: metrotvonline.com
