The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for full disclosure of all relevant information regarding the Barari Lithium deal, including the identities of the beneficial owners who hold a 4.4% equity stake in the company.

There is a 4.4% equity share in the company that is categorized as “Previous Land Owners” in the current shareholding structure.

The NDC is strongly requesting a thorough disclosure of the identities of the beneficial owners connected to this 4.4% equity as well as an explanation of the procedure that led to this allocation in an effort to maintain accountability and transparency.

The NDC stressed the importance of public awareness in a statement signed by Sammy Gyamfi, the party’s communications officer. The statement claimed that Ghanaians should be fully informed about the identity of these “previous land owners” and the reasons behind their involvement in the lithium deal.

“Again, it is interesting to note, that under the shareholding structure of the company, there is a 4.4% Equity in the name of “Previous Land Owners”. In the spirit of transparency, the NDC demands a full disclosure of the identities of the Beneficial Owners of that 4.4% Equity and how that was arrived at. Ghanaians deserve to know who these “previous land owners” are.

“In the face of all these pertinent issues, particularly, the non-existence of a feasibility report and a mandatory requirement for the local processing of our lithium resources, the NDC is of the view, that the Ghana-Barari Lithium deal is not in the best interest of Ghana. Thus, the ratification of the Mining Lease agreement executed by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP Government, should not even arise at this stage.”

The government’s lithium lease agreement with Barari DV, which has drawn harsh public criticism, is the reason for the NDC’s call.

For the advancement and application of green technologies, including electric cars and renewable energy, green minerals are essential.

They are necessary in the production of solar panel, wind turbine, and battery storage system components. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements (REEs), copper, and graphite are a few examples.

Reports that Ghana is not being fairly compensated have increased pressure on the government to reevaluate the lithium deal.

Apprehensions regarding the possible exploitation of Ghana’s resources and inadequate gains for the nation have generated discourse and demands for openness and equity.