Political scientist and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Zaato, has praised the Minority in Parliament for what he describes as their “vicious defence and rejection” of the government’s renegotiated lithium agreement, saying the country owes the current pushback to their unwavering stance.

Speaking on the AM Show, Dr Zaato said the Minority Caucus has shown exceptional leadership in resisting what they believed to be an unfavourable deal for Ghanaians. “We are here today because that small minority in Parliament refused to be intimidated, refused to be bulldozed, refused to be harassed. They knew their stuff,” he stated.

His remarks come as the Minority Caucus on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee expresses disappointment over the government’s approach to the revised lithium mining lease between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited.

In a statement signed by the Committee’s Ranking Member, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the Caucus accused the government of attempting to justify a reduction in the royalty rate from 10% to 5%—a move they say leaves the country “worse off.”

The Caucus noted that the previous NPP administration had agreed to a 10% royalty rate in October 2023. At the time, the then-opposition NDC described that rate as “mediocre,” yet now in government, the rate has been lowered further.

The statement questioned the rationale behind the reduction, arguing that Barari DV Ghana Limited would still make significant profits even with a 10% royalty rate. They insisted that no clear explanation has been provided for what has changed to warrant the adjustment.

Dr Zaato, backing the Minority’s concerns, said their firm resistance has been crucial in drawing public attention to the renegotiated terms. He argued that without their pushback, the government’s position may have gone unchallenged.

The controversy over Ghana’s lithium resources has become a major national issue, with civil society groups, industry analysts, and political actors debating how best the country should benefit from its emerging green mineral sector.

Political scientist and senior lecturer at the University off Ghana, Dr Joshua Zaato, has praised the Minority in Parliament for what he describes as their “vicious defence and rejection” of the government’s renegotiated lithium agreement, saying the country owes the current pushback to their unwavering stance.

Speaking on the AM Show, Dr Zaato said the Minority Caucus has shown exceptional leadership in resisting what they believed to be an unfavourable deal for Ghanaians.

“We are here today because that small minority in Parliament refused to be intimidated, refused to be bulldozed, refused to be harassed. They knew their stuff,” he stated.

His remarks come as the Minority Caucus on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee expresses disappointment over the government’s approach to the revised lithium mining lease between the Government of Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited.

In a statement signed by the Committee’s Ranking Member, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the Caucus accused the government of attempting to justify a reduction in the royalty rate from 10% to 5%—a move they say leaves the country “worse off.”

The Caucus noted that the previous NPP administration had agreed to a 10% royalty rate in October 2023.

At the time, the then-opposition NDC described that rate as “mediocre,” yet now in government, the rate has been lowered further.

The statement questioned the rationale behind the reduction, arguing that Barari DV Ghana Limited would still make significant profits even with a 10% royalty rate.

They insisted that no clear explanation has been provided for what has changed to warrant the adjustment.

Dr Zaato, backing the Minority’s concerns, said their firm resistance has been crucial in drawing public attention to the renegotiated terms.

He argued that without their pushback, the government’s position may have gone unchallenged.