The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has joined the chorus of disapproval against government's recently inked lithium mining deal with Barari DV.

The party says the current terms of the agreement are not in the best interest of the country.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, December 13, and endorsed by the National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC stated that this stance was reached after careful examination and thorough discussions on the agreement.

The party highlighted, among other concerns, the perceived weakness in the mining lease agreement's provision for the establishment of a chemical plant to process Ghana's lithium locally.

“This lithium agreement is not in the best interest of Ghana. That’s my view. And if you all agree with me, let’s all make a statement in support of the IEA to say that we do not think that this agreement is in the interest of Ghana and that we have to relook this matter.

"I don’t want to condemn the MPs, but we will caution them and advise them to do what is right and what is in the interest of Ghana,” a portion of the statement said.

Intensified pressure is urging the government to reconsider the lithium deal amid growing concerns that Ghana may not be receiving a fair deal.

The discussions revolve around potential resource exploitation and perceived inadequate benefits for the country, fueling public discourse and calls for greater transparency and equity.

• Read also: Lithium agreement not best for Ghana; don’t ratify it – Sam Okudzeto to Parliament

Prominent figures, including former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo and seasoned private legal practitioner Sam Okudzeto, have voiced their opposition to the deal.

For the former Chief Justice, the current contract echoes a colonial and Guggisberg-type arrangement.

The $250-million project, situated in Ewoyaa, Mfantseman Municipality in the Central Region, is slated to commence production in 2025.

Notably, the deal incorporates a 10% royalty and 13% free carried interest for the state, surpassing the existing 5% and 10% in other mining agreements.