Late President Mills’ Brother Slams Government’s Lithium Agreement: Demands Suspension and Re-evaluation
Dr. Cadman Mills, brother of the late former President J.E.A. Mills, has launched a blistering critique of the Mahama government regarding its handling of the proposed Ewoyaa lithium mining agreement.
“It is very concerning that the NDC, my party, seems determined to push this odious deal through at all costs, including outright misrepresentations of the law and public deception,” Mills expressed on X.
Dr. Mills called for a reevaluation of the deal, taking into account legal, economic, and public concerns.
While he admitted he had not fully reviewed either version of the proposed agreement, he was “staggered” by claims that a 10% royalty rate was both unlawful and “discriminatory” compared to other mining operations, such as gold mining.
He emphasized that lithium extraction represents a national and generational issue that should not be treated as a partisan matter.
Suspension
Dr. Mills urged Ghanaians to demand a suspension of the consideration of the agreement, encouraging negotiators to revisit the deal with a more inclusive perspective that incorporates legal, economic, and public viewpoints.
Intervention
Dr. Mills revealed that he held a private telephone discussion with the Chairman of Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Collins Dauda, on November 29.
During the conversation, they debated whether a negotiated royalty rate exceeding the standard 5% could be legally justified.
He emphasized the importance of economic considerations, urging comparisons with lithium deals in countries with similar conditions and referencing analyses from civil society organizations such as IMANI.
He indicated that Dauda assured him he felt no pressure to finalize the deal and would gather multiple perspectives to ensure Ghana secures the best terms.
Dr. Mills described the call as evidence that voicing one’s concerns can influence government decisions, even as a private citizen. “This proves that it is worthwhile to speak up, especially when your own government is in power,” he stated.
