Africa-Press – Ghana. The Mankessim Traditional Council has denied media reports claiming the Council strongly opposed the government’s decision to reduce Ghana’s lithium royalty rate from 10 per cent to five per cent.
The reports, which emanated from the stakeholder engagement organised by Friends of the Nations (FoN), a non-governmental organisation, suggested the decision was made without proper stakeholder consultation with disadvantaged communities affected by the expanding lithium industry.
The reports also claimed that the Chiefs only became aware of the consultation through a public notice in national newspapers, urging the government to halt the revised rate and engage the impacted communities more meaningfully.
However, at a press conference on Friday, November 28, 2025, Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, Omanhen of the Mankessim Traditional Area, the reports did not reflect their engagements with the government, including in-person meetings, regarding the Ewoyaa Lithium Project.
He clarified that Mr Charles Paa Grant, who is the source of the misinformation, was the personal secretary to Nana Kwasi Krampa VII, the Chief of Krampakrom, and not a chief in Mankessim, as alleged.
The views expressed by Mr Grant, Nana Amanfo Edu indicated, were his personal views and did not constitute the position of the Krampakrom Community, which is under the Mankessim Traditional Area, nor the stance or opinion of its leadership.
Osagyefo Amanfo Edu stated that the Chiefs of Mankessim supported the lithium agreement and had never met to discuss the false information.
“To say so is to betray the several meetings held with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Company.
“No Chief has been authorised or sent to represent us at any such forum organised by Friends of the Nation, contrary to the reports.”
The Omanhen expressed serious concern over the spread of false information, which threatens to damage community trust and unity.
He highlighted the ongoing difficulties faced by local cash crop farmers and developers in the Ewoyaa Lithium Project catchment communities, whose activities had been halted since the moratorium was declared, causing significant hardship.
He pleaded with government to urgently expedite the ratification process for the company to start operations, stressing the vital need to restore livelihoods and economic stability.
“For two long years, our farmers have made great sacrifices supporting the company.
“It is now essential that operations restart so our people can gain meaningful employment and rebuild their lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Krampakrom, whose secretary was responsible for the misleading statement, expressed regret over the incident.
“I was shocked to hear my secretary’s voice on the radio being presented as a Mankessim Chief, which is completely false.
“This information should be completely ignored, as he has no authority to speak on behalf of the Chiefs,” he emphasised.
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