<<Print>>

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is demanding full disclosure regarding the lithium deal.

In a press release signed by the National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, the party said the deal was not in the "interest of Ghana".

The opposition party questioned the creation of a "4.4% Equity in the name of "Previous Land Owners" in the shareholding structure of the company."

"It is interesting to note, that under the shareholding structure of the company, there is a 4.4% Equity in the name of "Previous Land Owners". In the spirit of transparency, the NDC demands a full disclosure of the identities of the Beneficial Owners of that 4.4% Equity and how that was arrived at. Ghanaians deserve to know who these “previous landowners” are," portions of the statement read.

In October this year, the government granted a mining lease to Barari DV Ltd, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Ltd, for the exploitation of lithium in Ghana with the country to benefit 10% of royalties and own 19% shares in the company. 

But some, including the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, legal luminary, Sam Okudzeto and a host of others, have objected to the agreement.

The NDC, at a press conference yesterday, stated its stance on the deal

"In the face of all these pertinent issues, particularly, the non-existence of a feasibility report and a mandatory requirement for the local processing of our lithium resources, the NDC is of the view, that the Ghana-Barari Lithium deal is not in the best interest of Ghana. Thus, the ratification of the Mining Lease agreement executed by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP Government, should not even arise at this stage. It is our considered position, that Parliament should not consider the ratification of the Lease Agreement until all these pertinent issues are satisfactorily addressed in the best interest of Ghanaians," the opposition party said.