Mankessim Chief asks Parliament to approve Ewoyaa lithium lease before royalty debate

Traditional authorities from Mankessim have called on national legislators to approve the mining lease for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project immediately, arguing that conversations about royalties should follow only after the lease is granted. The plea reflects urgency for the project to begin operations and deliver economic benefits to the community.

The Mankessim Paramount Chief emphasised that delaying the lease approval could stall progress on local development plans dependent on mining investment. He appealed to parliamentarians to consider the long-term gains of the project before engaging in potentially prolonged royalty negotiations.

Community members revealed that many residents have already started making life and business plans around the expectations of the lithium project, including employment opportunities and infrastructure development. The delay, therefore, is creating uncertainty and dampening hopes of immediate benefit from the prospective resource exploitation.

Critics of the delay argue that prolonged royalty discussion before lease approval creates bottlenecks and may discourage investors. The Chief’s stance is that a timely lease approval would provide clarity, attract investment, and trigger the commencement of jobs, training, and local economic activity.

However, environmental and civil society groups have cautioned that rushing the lease approval without adequate safeguards could result in social and ecological harm. They urge that proper environmental impact assessments, community consultations, and benefit-sharing frameworks be finalised concurrently to protect community interests.

Parliament is now under pressure to balance economic urgency, social expectations, and environmental responsibility as it deliberates on the Ewoyaa lithium lease. The manner and timing of the decision will likely influence investor confidence and the community’s trust in the mining regulatory framework for years to come.

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