The government has withdrawn the revised lithium mining agreement from Parliament to allow for further consultations with key stakeholders.

Speaking in Parliament, the Deputy Minister noted that the withdrawal follows concerns raised by civil society organisations, sector specialists, and lawmakers from both the Majority and Minority caucuses. He added that advocacy groups and influential actors within the mining and extractives industry had advised the government to undertake additional consultations and carry out further technical reviews before laying the agreement again.

He said the decision demonstrates government’s commitment to openness, responsible governance, and proper management of the nation’s mineral wealth.

The proposed lithium framework, which seeks to guide the development of Ghana’s growing lithium sector, has attracted intense criticism in recent months, with opponents arguing that the current terms fail to secure adequate benefits for the country.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is expected to revisit the agreement after completing the broader consultative process and making the necessary adjustments before returning it to Parliament for fresh scrutiny.