Call for strategic lithium master plan: Dr. Manteaw advocates deliberate approach to maximize Ghana’s mineral wealth
Dr. Steve Manteaw, Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), has called on the government and key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive master plan for Ghana’s burgeoning lithium sector.
Lithium is a critical mineral in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and electronics. With the global shift towards renewable energy and the increasing demand for electric vehicles, the need for lithium has surged. Ghana and Africa, endowed with abundant lithium reserves, are well-positioned to become major players in the global lithium concentrate market.
Speaking at the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Stakeholder Conference in Accra, Dr. Manteaw emphasized, “We need to be intentional if we are to maximize value from our resources. A master plan for lithium, similar to the one developed for our petroleum sector, is essential.”
He reflected on Ghana’s success with its petroleum sector: “When we discovered hydrocarbons, we engaged top experts to develop a gas master plan that explored opportunities along the entire value chain. It helped us focus on value optimization, choosing gas over crude oil and petroleum products because of its necessity for energy.”
Manteaw argued that a similar strategic approach is required for lithium. In addition to identifying mining zones, the plan should promote investment, facilitate mineral exploration, and support downstream industries.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Africa holds approximately 20% of the world’s lithium reserves. Ghana has already made strides in this sector. The government granted a 15-year mining lease to Barari DV Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of Atlantic Lithium Limited, to begin lithium mining at Ewoyaa in the Central Region. The lease includes new provisions aimed at ensuring optimal national benefits, including increased royalties, state participation, and value addition to the mined mineral.
Barari Ltd. began lithium exploration in Ghana in 2017, discovering high-grade lithium in commercial quantities at Ewoyaa. Further geological investigations have identified additional deposits across the country, from Cape Coast to Kumasi, Sunyani, Bole, and Wa. However, the nation has yet to fully commence lithium mining operations.
Globally, lithium production is dominated by countries like Australia, Chile, and China. However, growing demand and a push for diversified supply chains have created new opportunities for regions like Ghana to enter the lithium market.
By Eugene Davis
