Saltpond, April 11, – The Mfantseman-Saltpond Development Alliance (MSDA), a youth-led development group in Saltpond, has welcomed Parliament’s ratification of the Atlantic Lithium exploration agreement and called on the Government to expedite the remaining processes to enable active mining to commence.
The Alliance described the agreement as being in the national interest and commended the President for introducing a sliding scale royalty regime for Ghana’s mineral resources, which it believes would enhance revenue generation and ensure equitable benefits for host communities.
Mr Ernest De-Graft Egyir, President of the Alliance, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the lithium project held significant prospects for socio-economic development in Saltpond and the wider Mfantseman Municipality.
“We are looking forward with positive minds and are ready to work with the government, community leaders, the chiefs, and the mining company to ensure that through local content, what is due Mfantseman-Saltpond will come to us,” he stated.
Youth Preparedness and Skills Development
Mr Egyir highlighted the readiness of the youth to actively participate in the mining value chain, emphasising their knowledge and skills. He disclosed that the MSDA had initiated plans to roll out skills development programmes to prepare young people for employment opportunities associated with the project.
“That notwithstanding, the MSDA has programmes in place to start skill development initiatives for the youth of Saltpond and, in alliance with Atlantic Lithium management, to explore partnership opportunities,” he added.
Parliamentary Support
Dr Ebenezer Prince Arhin, Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, expressed optimism that the lithium project at Ewoyaa would generate employment and accelerate development within the municipality.
He encouraged the youth to equip themselves with the requisite skills to fully benefit from the opportunities expected to arise from the mining operations.
“The lithium exploration will drive employment and development in Saltpond. I therefore urge the youth to develop the necessary skills to participate and benefit from this new mineral resource,” he said.
Development Prospects
The Ewoyaa lithium project is anticipated to play a significant role in Ghana’s emerging green minerals sector, supporting the global transition to clean energy while fostering local economic growth through job creation, infrastructure development, and increased business opportunities.
The MSDA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure that the project delivers sustainable and inclusive benefits to the people of Mfantseman and the nation at large.
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