The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has formally requested Parliament to withdraw the controversial lithium mining agreement currently under review. Parliamentary communication on Wednesday noted that the Minister could not attend in person as he is attending an environmental conference in Nairobi, Kenya. In his absence, Deputy Minister Alhaji Yusif Sulemana has been authorised to carry out the withdrawal process.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga told the House that the procedure must adhere to parliamentary rules, highlighting that Standing Order 98 requires the Minister to seek Parliament’s approval before withdrawing any agreement.
Meanwhile, the move has sparked concern among some lawmakers. Patrick Yaw Boamah, MP for Okaikwei Central, described the sudden withdrawal as unsettling and contrary to public expectations. He highlighted that the decision has amplified public anxiety, particularly following widespread criticism over the reduction of royalties from 10% to 5%.
Boamah insisted that the public deserves a full explanation regarding both the royalty adjustments and the abrupt withdrawal. He reminded the House that Parliament had previously endorsed the original terms, making the reversal even more puzzling. The MP urged the sector minister to ensure transparency and outline the factors behind the decisions, emphasizing that accountability is essential to maintaining public trust and upholding the integrity of the legislative process.
