The Mfantseman-Saltpond Development Alliance (MSDA), a development-oriented youth group in Saltpond, has welcomed the ratification of the Atlantic Lithium exploration agreement by Parliament, urging the government to expedite outstanding requirements for mining to commence actively.
It observed that the deal was in the best interest of the country, commending the President for introducing a sliding scale royalty regime for Ghana’s mineral resources.
Ernest De-Graft Egyir, the President of the Alliance, noted that the lithium agreement held significant prospects for the development of Saltpond, stressing the need for mining to start in the shortest possible time.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he said the youth were poised to develop their town and were ready to work with all stakeholders for the successful operation of the mine at Ewoyaa in the Mfantseman Municipality.
“We are looking forward with positive minds and ready to work with the government, community leaders, the chiefs and the mining company to ensure that through local contents, what is due Mfantseman-Saltpond will come to us,” he said.
Mr Egyir touted the knowledge and skills of the youth in Mfantseman, underscoring their preparedness to participate fully in the mining activities.
“That notwithstanding, the MSDA has programmes in place to start skill development programmes for the youth of Saltpond and also, in alliance with Atlantic Lithium management, to see what they have for us and then we forge partnerships in that regard,” he said.
Dr Ebenezer Prince Arhin, the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, was optimistic that the lithium exploration would drive employment and development in Saltpond.
He therefore entreated the youth to develop the required skills to participate and benefit from the mining of the new mineral.
