The Mfantseman-Saltpond Development Alliance (MSDA), a development-oriented youth group in Saltpond, has welcomed the ratification of the Atlantic Lithium exploration agreement by Parliament, urging the government to expedite outstanding requirements to ensure active mining begins without delay.
The group described the agreement as being in the best interest of the country and commended the President for introducing a sliding-scale royalty regime for Ghana’s mineral resources.
MSDA President Ernest De-Graft Egyir noted that the lithium agreement holds significant prospects for the development of Saltpond, stressing the need for mining activities to commence in the shortest possible time.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he said the youth were eager to develop their community and ready to work with all stakeholders for the successful operation of the mine at Ewoyaa in the Mfantseman Municipality.
“We are looking forward with positive minds and are ready to work with the government, community leaders, chiefs, and the mining company to ensure that, through local content, what is due Mfantseman-Saltpond comes to us,” he said.
Mr Egyir highlighted the knowledge and skills of the youth in Mfantseman, underscoring their readiness to participate fully in mining activities.
He added that the MSDA already has programmes in place to initiate skills development training for the youth of Saltpond, and is engaging Atlantic Lithium management to explore partnership opportunities in that regard.
Dr Ebenezer Prince Arhin, Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, expressed optimism that lithium exploration would drive employment and development in Saltpond.
He therefore encouraged the youth to acquire the necessary skills to enable them to participate in and benefit from the emerging lithium mining sector.
Source: GNA
