Government of Ghana has withdrawn the contentious Lithium Agreement from Parliament for further review, citing the need for deeper public engagement and stronger legal safeguards, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced in a statement Tuesday.
The Ministry said the decision followed “extensive consultations and constructive engagements” with stakeholders nationwide. Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah formally pulled the agreement from the House, signaling the administration’s willingness to revisit concerns raised by civil society groups, industry actors and community representatives.
Officials said the move underscores the government’s push for participatory governance and its commitment to ensuring that resource contracts fully reflect national priorities. “The concerns raised merit deeper consideration,” the statement said, adding that a more robust, broadly supported agreement would better serve Ghana’s long-term interests.
The Ministry confirmed that a full refinement process has begun, driven by substantive feedback from engagement sessions. That review is expected to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework governing Ghana’s emerging lithium sector an area of growing strategic and economic interest as global demand for battery minerals accelerates.
The government is currently compiling and assessing proposals submitted by stakeholders, ranging from transparency requirements to clearer benefit-sharing provisions and stronger environmental protections. Once completed, a revised agreement aligned with national laws and enriched by public input will be resubmitted to Parliament.
“Our objective remains steadfast: to secure Ghana’s long-term benefits, ensure transparency and fairness, and honor the trust placed in us by the people,” the Ministry said.
The statement also expressed gratitude to institutions and individuals who contributed to the consultation process, stressing that their involvement is helping shape a more equitable approach to natural resource governance.
The Ministry reaffirmed that it will continue working collaboratively to craft a final agreement that protects the public interest while positioning Ghana to responsibly harness its lithium reserves.
Below is the statement:
