Political scientist and governance advocate Prof. Ransford Gyampo has clarified his position on the heated national debate over Ghana’s lithium agreement, emphasising that his long-standing views are driven by principle rather than political loyalty.
Prof. Gyampo, who was previously one of the most outspoken critics of the former administration’s handling of the lithium negotiations, said he has conducted fresh verification checks following public claims that the current government is opting for a 5% royalty rate instead of the earlier-proposed 10%.
According to him, consultations with state officials, including the sector minister, confirm that Ghana’s Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2010 (Act 794) still mandates a flat 5% royalty on all minerals. The push for a 10% rate, he explained, was only possible if an amendment to the law had been passed — something that never occurred.
“Under the current legal regime, we remain on the old and paltry 5 percent royalty for our minerals. Thankfully, the sector Minister has indicated that he will soon lay an amendment to Act 794 to increase royalties to a more appreciable level,” he said.
Prof. Gyampo urged the public to move beyond cynicism and instead engage constructively as the ministry prepares the amendment. Citizens, he noted, have both the right and responsibility to help shape a royalty framework that protects the national interest.
“We have the power to engage and demand a royalty rate that supports our developmental efforts. Rather than resorting to pessimism, we must make informed inputs,” he stressed.
He also called for thorough consultations on the planned lithium operations in the Mfantseman area, including environmental and social impact studies, mitigation measures, and a fair compensation and royalty system for all affected communities.
Responding to suggestions that his recent comments represent a shift in his stance, Gyampo insisted that his earlier criticism of the previous administration stemmed solely from his commitment to national interest.
“When we criticised the former government on this deal, we did so out of conviction that Ghana deserved better. That conviction has not changed,” he said.
Gyampo reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, stating that he will continue to support policies that serve the public good while holding leaders accountable. He signed the statement from his residences in Saltpond and Larteh-Akuapim, pledging continued engagement in Ghana’s mineral resource governance discourse.
