The Omanhen of the Mankessim Traditional Area, Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, has declared communities affected by lithium exploration within his jurisdiction as Artificial Disaster Zones, calling for urgent state intervention to address the worsening humanitarian situation.

The declaration follows the government’s decision to withdraw the lithium mining agreement from Parliament to allow for further stakeholder consultations. While the Omanhen said he does not oppose the withdrawal itself, he expressed deep concern that delays in parliamentary ratification over the past two years have left affected residents uncompensated and trapped in uncertainty.

Addressing the media, Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI described a grim reality in the lithium-hosting communities, noting that many farmers have been prevented from cultivating their lands while homes and farmlands remain disrupted without any compensation.

“With Christmas only days away, many families are impoverished, unable to farm, and living with seized lands and damaged homes, all without a pesewa in compensation,” he lamented.

Although residents are not living in refugee camps, the chief said the anxiety, frustration and fear about the future have created a man-made crisis more damaging than a natural disaster. He warned that the prolonged delay in finalising the agreement is eroding livelihoods and social stability in the area.

According to him, the uncertainty surrounding the Ewoyaa lithium project is not only hurting Atlantic Lithium and its local subsidiary, Barari DV Ghana Limited, but also inflicting deep hardship on local communities.

“This delay is suffocating our people, destroying livelihoods and creating a dangerous situation that could erupt if urgent action is not taken,” he cautioned.

The Omanhen rejected claims that the withdrawal of the agreement signals the cancellation of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, describing such reports as misleading and unfounded. He explained that the withdrawal followed objections from civil society groups, industry experts and lawmakers who called for better terms for Ghana.

He said the move would allow the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to conduct further consultations, including recent engagements with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources and civil society organisations.

Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI noted that the original agreement proposed a 10 per cent royalty rate, 13 per cent free carried interest for the state and commitments to value addition, including the establishment of a chemical plant. However, concerns were raised that the proposed royalty conflicted with existing mining laws, which cap royalties at five per cent unless amended.

While advocacy groups view the review process as an opportunity to secure improved terms for the country, the Omanhen stressed that the immediate priority must be compensating affected residents whose farms and homes have already been destroyed.

He urged government to act swiftly to prevent a humanitarian crisis, insisting that the suffering in Mankessim is not caused by nature but by prolonged delays and inaction.