Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has voiced apprehensions regarding the lithium leasing agreement recently inked by Ghana. In an interview with Accra-based TV3, she questioned the government’s choice of the leasing approach, asserting that it might not be the most optimal method for lithium extraction.
Akuffo remarked, “Leasing is not necessarily the best methodology, there are others. There is a joint venture, service contract with many different permutations.” She suggested that other formats of lithium extraction could potentially offer more significant benefits.
The mining agreement, signed on October 20, 2023, was established between Ghana and Barari DV Ghana Limited. The government and the Mineral Commission touted it as the best lithium deal globally, emphasizing a meticulous evaluation of all available options before finalizing the agreement.
However, Akuffo disagreed with the characterization of the deal as the best, expressing concerns that the government might have missed opportunities to negotiate better terms for Ghana. She emphasized the importance of securing optimal benefits for the country and remarked, “Pretty good is not enough for Ghana; the optimum best is what we deserve.”
The former Chief Justice’s remarks add to the ongoing discourse surrounding the lithium mining agreement, highlighting the need for transparency, scrutiny, and the pursuit of the most advantageous terms for the nation.
theindependentghana.com
