Lithium deal: Current parliament only threatens without action—Gyampo

Professor of Political Science at the University of Ghana, Ransford Gyampo, contends that the present crop of parliamentarians has exhibited over time that they do not prioritise the interests of Ghanaians in their decision-making.

Speaking to Accra-based TV3 on Saturday over the government’s contract for the recently discovered lithium, Prof. Gyamfo said the contract is not in the best interest of Ghanaians.

He advocated for either a service contract or a joint venture, in contrast to a “colonial” mining lease or concessionary arrangement.

“We are talking about a service contract deal. Come and mine. If you mine it, it belongs to us. We pay for the cost of your mining plus your profit margin, and then you clear off and go away. And then we will decide whether we want to refine the lithium before we export it or export it in its raw state.”

“This is what, in my view, should be the best for Ghana, not the colonial concessary arrangement that we are being made to believe will be good for us. That only touts the token we would be getting and not the money the foreign companies would be making.”

He rejected suggestions that the deal should be tabled before parliament for further scrutiny, arguing that the presently constituted parliament does not honour its promises to ensure due diligence in such matters.

“I am hearing a lot of people say, Let’s send the contract to parliament. I am saying that this particular parliament has a history of always threatening and acting in a manner contrary to their threats when it really matters, so I don’t really trust that parliament can do anything.”

Addressing the press earlier in the week, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor, stated that the lithium contract is better in all respects than previous mining contracts, which will give the country 10% in royalties.

Minister Jinapor added that by the end of the contract, additional 19% state participation will be secured by the country, aside from requirements for the lessee (foreign company) to establish a refinery in Ghana.