Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Alhaji Yusif Sulemana has confirmed the withdrawal of the lithium agreement from Parliament to allow for further consultations with relevant stakeholders.
He said the move follows concerns raised by civil society groups, industry analysts, and MPs across the political divide.
Addressing lawmakers on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, he said that inputs from both sides underscored the need for a pause.
“Listening to my colleagues from the other side, they have made my work very easy.
“They have given reasons why there’s a need for us to withdraw this agreement,” he announced.
The agreement, initially presented by Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, covers lithium and other mineral extraction at Mankessim in the Central Region. It was revised after Barari DV Ghana Limited, the company involved, requested adjustments to the lease terms due to a steep decline in global lithium prices, which has heavily affected the project’s viability. Prices reportedly dropped from around $3,000 per tonne to approximately $630, making many lithium projects worldwide unprofitable.
In response, the government renegotiated the royalty structure, reducing the initial rate from 10 percent to 5 percent, with plans to restore the original rate when prices rebound.
The revised deal has drawn criticism from the Minority in Parliament. Former Lands Minister and Damongo MP Samuel Abu Jinapor argued that the new agreement is no different from the previous version and should be rejected. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also accused the government of inconsistency in handling the deal.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the agreement, urging Parliament to allow the relevant committees to scrutinize it and make informed recommendations. Speaker Alban Bagbin confirmed that the agreement would be referred to the appropriate committee for further examination.
The government says the withdrawal is intended to ensure that all concerns are addressed and that any eventual deal safeguards community interests, promotes job creation, and supports industrial development in the region.