Gov’t withdraws lithium deal for wider consultations

The government has withdrawn the contentious lithium mining agreement from Parliament to allow for broader consultations with key stakeholders, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, announced on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Speaking in Parliament, the Deputy Minister said the decision follows concerns raised by civil society organisations, industry experts, and MPs from both the Majority and Minority.

“Listening to my colleagues from the other side, they have made my work very easy. They have given reasons why we need to withdraw this agreement,” he told the House.

He added that NGOs and leading figures in the extractives sector had also called for more technical assessments and stakeholder engagement before the deal is brought back to Parliament.

According to him, the withdrawal shows the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency in managing Ghana’s mineral resources.

“That is why the listening minister and the listening government have decided to withdraw the agreement, do further work with your involvement, and move forward together,” he said.

The lithium agreement, which seeks to regulate Ghana’s growing lithium industry, has faced intense public criticism, with many arguing that the terms do not secure enough benefits for the country.

Parliament is expected to review an updated version of the agreement once the ministry completes its consultations and revisions.