Mankessim Omanhene Declares Lithium-Affected Areas ‘Man-Made Crisis Zones
On December 17, 2025, Osagyefo Amanfo Edu VI, the traditional leader (Omanhene) of the Mankessim Traditional Area, officially designated the settlements impacted by ongoing lithium exploration in his jurisdiction as man‑made crisis zones, calling for swift intervention at the national level as their situation deteriorates due to long delays in finalising and approving the lithium deal with Atlantic Lithium, which has consequently held up compensation for affected residents, leaving farmers without income, properties taken and livelihoods disrupted, and describing the circumstances as a human‑induced catastrophe that in many ways rivals the damage caused by natural events. He clarified that pulling the deal from Parliament was intended to provide more time for broader consultations and not to cancel the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, but stressed that those whose land and homes have been affected should be paid promptly. He also noted that the initial pact included a 10 % royalty and a 13 % free carried interest for the state, but concerns raised by civil society and some lawmakers about the royalty rate have triggered a review, with advocacy organisations framing the pause as a chance to negotiate more favourable terms for Ghana, even as the hardships facing local communities persist.
