General News
Sam Jonah applauds government on its lithium mine deal
Sir Sam Esson Jonah, a statesman and business entrepreneur, has praised the government for negotiating better fiscal conditions for Ghana’s first lithium mine than those on current mining contracts.
However, the previous President of AngloGold Ashanti emphasised that the government must now be strategic in order to assist realise the enormous benefits of the electricity boom that the burgeoning sector offered.
Sir Sam, whose expertise in designing and implementing better fiscal regimes for African countries is widely recognised, told Graphiconline that the terms of the lithium deal represented a credible step towards realising the increased Ghanaian ownership of the mining sector that he has long advocated.
“I have long said in my speeches that there is the need to encourage Ghanaian ownership in our mines.
This is the first credible move in that direction, and it should be celebrated rather than vilified,” he said in an interview in response to the pact announced two weeks ago.
Context
Ghana has signed a landmark agreement with Atlantic Lithium to mine lithium, a critical component of electric vehicles (EVs), in Ewoyaa in the Central Region.
The state will get a 10% royalty and a 13% free carried interest under the arrangement, as opposed to the current 5% and 10% for previous mining deals.
In the agreement struck earlier this month, the Australian miner is also obligated to contribute 1% of its earnings to a community development fund to assist in elevating the mining area.
The government has gained an additional 6% stake in the Ewoyaa Project through a proposed investment by the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) in Atlantic Lithium, increasing its total stake to 19%.
“The grant of the mining lease has, therefore, not only served as a gateway for Ghana to establish a long and successful lithium industry, but also for further foreign investment,” the former Senior Consultant to the United Nations Centre for Transformational Cooperation said.
Sir Sam worked with the UN Centre to help governments in Mali, Tanzania, and Burkina Faso, among others, establish and execute attractive fiscal terms for their mining industries.
Potential glut
The market for battery metals has become extremely competitive, with nations all over the world competing for investments to develop their resources.
Sir Sam indicated his conviction that the terms established for the Ewoyaa mining lease were considerably superior to those of many other nations but asked the government to tread cautiously in order to maintain the country’s attractiveness as an investment location.
While praising the government for being realistic and proactive in the Ewoyaa lithium agreement, the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) stated that the university now needed to move forward strategically since time was not on its side.
“A number of states have similar or potentially even better lithium prospectives and more attractive fiscal regimes,” he said.
“Zimbabwe, for example, has a five per cent royalty rate for lithium production and no free carried state interest.
Namibia, too, has no mandatory government ownership and a royalty of no more than 10% on mining enterprises.
“At Ewoyaa, Ghana has opportunity to position itself at the forefront of African lithium production and that is why the government must support the project’s development as best as it can to capitalise upon favourable current lithium prices, while regularly revisiting its fiscal terms so not to deter potential foreign investment into Ghana,” Mr Jonah said.
Price drops
According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, the price of lithium spodumene, the metal’s high ore, would peak at $4,581 per tonne this year before falling steadily to $1,806 per tonne and $1,428 per tonne in 2025 and 2027, respectively.
Former AngloGold Ashanti President argued that Ghana should push itself to speed up the process of mining the mineral while encouraging more junior businesses to explore in Ghana to increase the probability of uncovering a pipeline of forthcoming large projects.
As fresh and larger possibilities, including those from Canada, the United States of America, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, prepare to come online, Sir Sam indicated that worries of a lithium glut were serious, with the potential to drive prices even lower.
He stated that the Manono Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, held by AVZ Minerals Limited, was the largest and one of the highest quality hard rock lithium properties in the world.
He stated that the project’s Roche Dure deposit, one of the greatest deposits among the six pegmatites – subterranean igneous rocks – alone had a reserve of 400 million tonnes.
He said, “in Mali, the combined current resources of Kodal Minerals’ Bougouni Project and Leo Lithium’s Goulamina Project equated to around 230 million tonnes”.
Sir Sam warned that if Ghana delays in putting its first mine online, which claimed a reserve of 35 million tonnes, the nation might become engulfed in a lithium oversupply, resulting in lower export prices and diminished economic prospects.
“The truth is lithium is abundant in the world and unless Ghana can convince investors to risk tens of millions in investments on exploration and hundreds of millions on development, the electrification boom will pass Ghana by,” he warned.
In a list of 14 lithium developers and producers that include Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zimbabwe, Ghana comes last in terms of lithium prospects and first in terms of fiscal terms for investors.
Mr Jonah, on the other hand, pointed out that the $1,410 per tonne long-term spodumene pricing used to evaluate the Ewoyaa project showed that it remained viable and profitable even at current lithium prices and if prices fell further.
Local processing
Because lithium is an essential element in powering batteries for EVs, mobile phones, cameras, computers, and medical equipment, it has become an important mineral for governments and industries as the globe shifts towards renewable energy.
Sir Sam stated that Ghana could optimise its profits by encouraging domestic processing of the mineral, but that the nation needed more lithium resources and considerable investment to improve its infrastructure for local processing.
“The country currently has just one project nearing production, with reserves of 25 million tonnes and a mine life of 12 years.
This, along with Ghana’s grid power restrictions, would not currently support the economics of a plant.
“But while not possible right now, I believe there is certainly the potential for a conversion plant to be built in the future, provided there is an investment to further exploration to develop more reserves,” Sir Sam told the Daily Graphic.
Skilled workforce
Looking ahead, the leadership consultant stated that Ghana remained an appealing destination for lithium mining due to the abundance of highly skilled professionals and excellent geology and mine engineering universities that could benefit from the current 15 projects in operation firsthand.
“Ghana also benefits from its coastal location and its proximity to Europe, the East and to the Americas.
Not only can this drive down capital costs, but it also enables more favourable supply channels to customers,” Sir Sam added.
Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) is a model of academic achievement in Ghana, providing a dynamic learning environment that encourages innovation and skill development. AIT has evolved as a premier school, impacting the future of students in a variety of professions, thanks to its commitment to offering outstanding education. In this detailed essay, we will look at the Accra Institute of Technology’s history, academic programmes, campus infrastructure, and overall influence.
History and Mission
Professor Clement Dzidonu, a visionary scholar and entrepreneur, launched AIT in 2009. The objective of the institution is to deliver world-class education that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish in a fast changing global context. AIT is dedicated to cultivating an environment of innovation, critical thinking, and ethical leadership.
Academic Programs
AIT provides a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate academic programmes in subjects such as engineering, business administration, computer technology, and health sciences. The programme is designed to match worldwide standards by incorporating practical experiences and industry-relevant abilities to prepare students for professional difficulties.
- Engineering Programs: AIT is well-known for its engineering programmes, which include Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. These programmes integrate academic knowledge with practical practise, preparing students for influential jobs in the engineering sector.
- Business and Management: AIT’s School of Business offers Business Administration, Accounting, and Finance programmes. These programmes, which emphasise entrepreneurship and leadership abilities, provide students with the tools they need to negotiate the complexity of the corporate world.
- Information Technology (IT): AIT recognises the relevance of Information Technology (IT) in the digital era. The institute provides Computer Science, Information Technology Management, and Software Engineering programmes, preparing students for employment in the technology industry.
- Health Sciences: AIT’s School of Allied Health Sciences offers programmes in Medical Laboratory Technology and Public Health. These programmes respond to the increased demand for qualified workers in the healthcare and public health sectors.
Campus Facilities
The AIT campus is outfitted with cutting-edge amenities that promote a positive learning environment. Modern classrooms, well-equipped labs, a library with a huge range of academic materials, and leisure facilities are among them. The campus infrastructure represents AIT’s dedication to provide students with the resources they need for holistic learning.
Research and Innovation
AIT maintains a high focus on research and innovation, encouraging both teachers and students to participate in cutting-edge initiatives. The institute works with industrial partners and research institutions to address real-world difficulties and make advances in a variety of sectors.
International Collaborations
AIT has formed alliances with prestigious foreign universities and institutes, promoting a global perspective in its educational programmes. These alliances provide students exchange programmes, cooperative research activities, and exposure to a variety of cultural experiences.
Alumni Success Stories
The achievements of AIT’s graduates, who have succeeded in a variety of sectors and professions, represent the school’s success. AIT graduates are making major national and worldwide contributions to engineering, business, technology, and healthcare.
Conclusion
Accra Institute of Technology is a forerunner in Ghanaian higher education, committed to academic achievement, innovation, and holistic development. AIT continues to influence the future of its students and contribute to the progress of knowledge and technology in the area via its diversified programmes, cutting-edge research, and worldwide collaborations. AIT, as a learning and innovation hub, is critical in educating the next generation of leaders and professionals for the challenges and possibilities of the twenty-first century.
Seth Yormewu, the District Chief Executive for Anloga in the Volta Region, has urged Ghana Water Company Limited to make sachet and bottled water accessible on the market.
According to the DCE, the Company’s water is of good quality, but because it is not on the market, most residents are unaware of it and unable to purchase it.
Mr Yormewu made the request as the Company was distributing relief materials to those affected by the Akosombo Dam leakage in the region.
The Company’s Volta Regional Directorate, in partnership with its Head Office, distributed 1,000 sachet bags and 50 packs of bottled water to victims in the district.
G-WATER, a subsidiary of Ghana Water Company Limited, provided the victims with high-quality water.
The DCE also requested that the Company open an office in Anloga, stating that the area has 28 voting districts and that the creation would aid in the successful delivery of services to the people.
The GWCL’s Volta Regional Chief Manager, Mr Francis Lamptey, informed Ghana News Agency that the company will evaluate the application for the opening of an office in the area.
He said that a district required a minimum of 5,000 clients, but “if it is below, about 1,000 2,000, we do what we called sub district.”
Mr Lamptey stated that they would examine the data available to them and establish an office if the region has the requisite number.
The police have obtained a bench warrant for the search and arrest of an accused Fulani herdsman, Amadu Seeta, for obtaining a Ghana Card without following conventional operating protocols.
George Kwame Essien, an Assistant Technical Enrolment Officer (ATEO) of the National Identification Authority (NIA) at the Walewale District Office in the North East Region, who supported Seeta in registering for the Ghana Card, was convicted.
The NIA stated on November 30, 2023, in a statement, “On 26th November 2023, the Police Investigation Unit of NIA Head Office, Accra, initiated an inquiry into alleged misconduct by Mr George Kwame Essien. The investigation focused on the registration of an unqualified applicant, Amadu Seeta (currently at large), an alleged Fulani herdsman, who received an ECOWAS Identity Card without following standard operating procedures.”
The NIA has warned its employees and the general public not to break the law or the NIA’s Standard Operating Procedures.
It stated, “Persons found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.”
Read the statement by the NIA below
For Immediate Release:
NIA Addresses Misconduct Leading to Conviction of Assistant Technical Enrolment Officer.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) informs the public of the recent conviction of Mr. George Kwame Essien, an Assistant Technical Enrolment Officer (ATEO) of the Authority, at the Walewale District Office in the North East Region.
On 26th November 2023, the Police Investigation Unit of NIA Head Office, Accra, initiated an inquiry into alleged misconduct by Mr. George Kwame Essien. The investigation focused on the registration of an unqualified applicant, Amadu Seeta (currently at large), an alleged Fulani herdsman, who received an ECOWAS Identity Card without following standard operating procedures.
The investigation uncovered that on 25th September 2023, Essien registered Amadu Seeta without adhering to due process. Seeta did not meet the necessary registration requirements, prompting Essien to forge NIA Form One and an Oath of Identity Form belonging to Braimah Seini. Mr. Frank Donkor, an Assistant Registration Officer, detected irregularities and promptly retrieved the card from Seeta, who subsequently fled the scene. Following a comprehensive investigation, George Kwame Essien pleaded guilty on 29th November 2023 before the Tamale District Court II.
Consequently, he was convicted and sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment on count two (Forgery of Document, Contrary to section 158 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960, Act 29), and six months each on counts 1 (Abetment of Crime, Contrary to section 20(1) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960, Act 29, and section 40 (1) (A) of the National Identity Register Act 2008, Act 750), 3 (Causing an unauthorized interference with electronic records, Contrary to section 125 of the Electronic Transaction Act 2008, Act 772), and 4 (Causing an unauthorized modification of information, Contrary to section 40 (1) (g) of the National Identity Register Act 2008, Act 750), with all sentences to run concurrently. Essien has been handed over to the Tamale Prisons Authority to serve his sentence.
A bench warrant has been issued for the search and arrest of suspect Amadu Seeta, who remains at large, to stand trial.
Through this release, the NIA emphasizes to all staff and the general public that violations of the law and NIA’s Standard Operating Procedures will not be tolerated. Persons found culpable will face the full consequences of the law.
The NIA remains resolute and steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law, without fear or favour, and promoting integrity, patriotism, and decency in the workplace.
End
Corporate Affairs Directorate
30th November 2023
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