The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has held constructive talks with chiefs and residents of Ewoyaa and surrounding communities to discuss the government’s lithium agreement and its future implementation.

Speaking on behalf of Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah during the engagement on Tuesday, December 16, Mahmoud Kabore, leader of the ministry’s delegation, apologised for the withdrawal of the agreement and assured the community that the pause was meant to allow for further consultations.

“We are committed to developing a progressive agreement that benefits both the Ewoyaa community and the country at large,” Kabore said. He added that the Lands Minister remains fully dedicated to achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.

The discussions brought together opinion leaders, chiefs from Ewoyaa and Krampah, and residents, who welcomed the dialogue but expressed concern over the slow pace of ratification in Parliament. Some residents said the delay is affecting livelihoods in the area and urged the government to expedite the parliamentary approval process.

Responding to these concerns, Kabore reassured the community that the government will honour its commitment and that the ratification process will proceed in due course. Ahmed Salim, General Manager of Atlantic Lithium, and Mr Eric Stanley Acquah, MCE for Mfantsiman, also supported the assurances, emphasising that delays would soon be resolved.

This community engagement follows a meeting held on Monday, December 15, with civil society organisations to refine the lithium agreement before its re-presentation to Parliament.

The Lands Ministry has indicated that more consultations will be held with stakeholders ahead of the new submission.

The discussions signal the government’s intent to balance strategic mineral development with local interests, ensuring that lithium exploitation contributes positively to regional development and national growth.