Minority and Majority in battle over lithium deal

The Majority and Minority Caucuses in Parliament are at odds over the proposed carried interest in the lithium agreement between Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited.

The Majority Caucus argues that the previous administration’s 10% carried interest proposal deviated from the existing Minerals and Mining Act, 2010 (Act 794), which fixes the country’s carried interest at 5%.

Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 Alhaji Collins Dauda, Chairman of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, stated that the government is taking its time to ensure a fair deal and equity in the legal framework. He noted that amendments will be made to Act 794 to align with the proposed carried interest.

However, the Minority Caucus disputes this claim, citing the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2015 (Act 900) which repealed the fixed 5% carried interest and made the royalty rate flexible.

NPP MP for Juaben, Francis Kwabena Berepong Owusu-Akyaw, stated that the amended Act allows the government to negotiate a carried interest rate, including the proposed 10%.

He defended the previous government’s proposal, saying it aimed to maximize Ghana’s benefits from the lithium deal.

The disagreement centers on whether the government can lawfully hold more than 10% carried interest in mining operations.

The Majority Caucus insists that a 13% carried interest is unlawful, while Owusu-Akyaw argues that the government can negotiate additional interest.

The Lands and Natural Resources Committee has initiated stakeholder engagement, inviting public memoranda on the proposed agreement.

This will inform the Committee’s decision and guide parliament’s ratification process.

The Minority Caucus strongly opposes the agreement, claiming Ghana has been short-changed.

She serves on the Advisory Board of the African Unions (AU) Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).

Her appointment appointment followed her victory at the ECOWAS Court.

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi

 

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