Chiefs petition parliament for Ewoyaa Lithium project ratification

Chiefs from the Mankessim, Nkusukum, and Abura traditional areas have petitioned parliament to urgently ratify the mining lease for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project.

Representing communities directly impacted by the project, the traditional leaders emphasised the extensive stakeholder engagement and numerous community benefits tied to the project.

Below is the Petition:

“Dear Honourable Speaker and Esteemed Members of Parliament,

PETITION: RATIFICATION OF THE EWOYAA LITHIUM PROJECT MINING LEASE
(BARARl DV GHANALIMITED)

We, the undersigned Amanhenfo, representing the communities within the Ewoyaa Lithium Project catchment area, respectfully submit this petition to request the urgent ratification of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project by the Parliament of Ghana. We have followed deliberations at Parliament and claims by some parties regarding lack of stakeholder engagement and our alleged dislike for the Project.

“We have also read the various media publications about the threats by some of our Chiefs to boycott the 2024 National Elections if the Ewoyaa Lithium Project is not granted Parliamentary ratification.

As the traditional overlords, we have, therefore, decided to communicate our position directly to you.

Background and Support:

The Ewoyaa Lithium Project is situated within three traditional areas: the Mankessim, Nkusukum, and Abura Traditional Areas. Consequently, our people are the direct beneficiaries and project-affected persons, making us uniquely positioned to express our collective opinions about the project.

Over the past six (6) years, our communities have engaged with Barari DV Ghana Limited as the project advanced from exploration to the feasibility study stage. During the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) stage, several baseline studies have been conducted, numerous focus groups, including community leaders and members, were engaged, and our concerns were incorporated into the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This was the focus of the recently held public hearings at Krofu and Ewoyaa that had over 1 ,000 attendees.

The key issues highlighted and duly captured in the draft EIS include:

• Judicious Use of the Community Development Fund: The communities resolved that a significant portion of this novel fund be allocated towards other business development initiatives decoupled from lithium mining to ensure sustainable  development. This has been agreed upon by the company.
• Land Access and Resettlement:

The company and communities have established a Compensation Negotiation Committee for Crop and Land, and a Resettlement Negotiation Committee for persons due for resettlement as prescribed by the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703) and Compensation and Resettlement Regulations 2012 (L.I. 2175).

Negotiations are advanced towards agreeing on rates following the declaration of the mining area in December 2023. The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is expected to be completed by November 2024, allowing families to resume their normal lives. A further delay in this, occasioned by lack of ratification, will bring untold inconveniences to the project-affected persons.

The company has agreed to use the RAP as an avenue to improve social amenities in the resettlement-impacted communities.

Competitive rates for land, crops, and structures are being negotiated under the guidance of regulatory agencies, with an independent valuer engaged by the communities to guide the process.

• Skills Training and Employment: To ensure that local citizens have access to skilled employment opportunities, the company has agreed to commence technical skills training programs for youth in the catchment area ahead of production commencement in 2026.
•  Environmental Monitoring and Post-Closure Land Use: The company has demonstrated that detailed environmental monitoring systems are in place, with assurances from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of strict compliance. The project’s processing method uses benign chemicals, and closure involves pit backfilling and progressive rehabilitation.

The project has undergone extensive consultations and engagements with our communities, stakeholders, the Minerals Commission, and the EPA. The project’s commitment to adhering to regulatory standards and addressing community concerns has been evident by the actions of the proponents’ agents. The process has been thorough and transparent, reflecting a genuine effort to ensure the welfare and participation of project-affected persons and local leaders.

Urgency for Ratification:

Given the comprehensive nature of these engagements and the positive feedback from our communities, we urge Parliament to expedite the ratification process to prevent further delays. The project holds significant promise for our communities, offering numerous benefits aside from improved fiscal benefits to the central government, including:

• Employment Opportunities: The project will generate over 800 employment opportunities for local residents, contributing to economic development and poverty reduction. Over 100 of our youth are already employed, with training programs promised once ratification is completed.
• Community Development Fund: The agreement mandates the establishment of a community development fund with 1% of revenue. Our engagements with the company have commenced towards this, and a framework is under discussion. This novel fund, projected to exceed $60 million, will bring significant development to the catchment area and the Central Region. We, Nananom and community leaders, at a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meeting, have proposed using a substantial portion of this fund to stimulate other industries in the catchment area. The fund will also support scholarships for disadvantaged students and the development of health and education facilities.

• Infrastructure Development: The project’s commencement will spur investment in local infrastructure, such as roads, health, and educational facilities, greatly enhancing the quality of life. The company is committed to local procurement, utilizing locally made goods and services during construction and production to stimulate the local economy and build capacity.
• Enterprise Development Program: The Project has commenced discussions with us in establishing an enterprise development program to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of youth, vulnerable groups and community members. This initiative will empower participants with the knowledge and resources needed to establish small and medium enterprises, supporting economic growth.
• Technology Transfer and Investment Attraction: The establishment of the mine will facilitate technology and knowledge transfer from expatriates to local counterparts. The mine will also attract additional investment and support services related to mining operations, creating a rippling effect that will bolster the local economy.
• Mining Area Land Access: Since the declaration of the mining area in December 2023 in accordance with Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and Regulation 14 of the Minerals and Mining (Compensation and Resettlement) Regulations, 2012 (L12175), development within the mining area is frozen while property and land surveys are ongoing to guide negotiations for compensation payments and resettlement. This process has impacted the livelihoods of over 499 structure owners and about 1200 farmers and landowners, leaving them in a state of uncertainty as they await the conclusion of these negotiations and the commencement of compensation payments and resettlement activities.

• The affected individuals cannot afford further delays due to parliamentary ratification, as it is a prerequisite for finalizing the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and initiating compensation payments. Any further delay in this ratification process not only jeopardizes the project’s viability but also exacerbates the severe economic hardship faced by these communities.
• A timeous and expedite the ratification process will ensure timely relief and support for the affected persons, and to secure the successful advancement of the project.

Aside from the improved rates of royalty (from 5% to 10%) and increased government freecarrying interest (from 10% to 13%), the project presents significant socio-economic benefits with the potential to stimulate economic activity in the Central Region for the first time in several years.

We respectfully request that Parliament prioritizes the ratification of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project to enable its prompt commencement before Parliament rises. We trust that Parliament will consider this petition with the urgency and attention it warrants, recognizing the significant benefits that timely ratification will bring to our communities and the nation.

The post Chiefs petition parliament for Ewoyaa Lithium project ratification appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story