Ghana officially moves toward lithium production with parliamentary approval of the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, marking a significant milestone in the country’s contribution to the global green transition. As demand for critical raw materials accelerates worldwide, Ghana is positioning itself as a new player in the lithium supply chain. Yet beyond economics and mineral supply, a key question remains: how can the benefits of resource extraction be shared equitably with affected communities? This article explores the project’s development and introduces the open-access Resource Impact Dashboard, designed to track social impacts over time.
Lithium’s Gowing Global Importance
Lithium is a critical raw material for the production of batteries used in energy storage systems and clean technologies. Global demand is expected to increase nearly fourfold by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This surge underscores the strategic significance of lithium supply and responsible production practices worldwide.
More information: IEA Lithium Report
Ghana’s Step Toward a New Energy Economy
With the Ghanaian parliament’s recent ratification of the mining lease for Atlantic Lithium’s Ewoyaa Lithium Project, the country is poised to host its first-ever lithium-producing mine. This pegmatite project, located near the town of Saltpond in the Central Region, currently holds a Mineral Resource Estimate of 36.8 million tonnes at 1.24% Li₂O (as of July 2024, Atlantic Lithium).
The ratification defines extraction terms and provides greater clarity for local residents affected by the development. It also marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s participation in the global energy transition—an opportunity that must be balanced with social and environmental considerations.
Towards a Just Transition in Mining Regions
Mining operations inherently affect local communities, both through direct economic participation and indirect social and environmental change. Ensuring that the benefits and burdens of resource extraction are fairly distributed is crucial for making the green transition a just transition.
In 2025, the World Resources Forum (WRF), in partnership with ETH NADEL and African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), conducted a baseline community survey as part of the Resource Impact Dashboard (RID) initiative. The RID integrates statistically robust local data with company and government information to provide a comprehensive view of mining-related impacts.
Resource Impact Dashboard: Tracking Social Impacts Over Time
The Ewoyaa survey, completed prior to significant mining operations, offers an essential benchmark for future studies. Because the RID follows a standardised framework, it enables repeat assessments—allowing WRF and its partners to monitor evolving community perceptions and identify areas where mining contributes positively or where intervention may be needed. The RID data is openly accessible, enabling researchers, communities, and policymakers to engage directly with the findings.
Explore the Ewoyaa RID profile here: Resource Impact Dashboard – Ewoyaa Project
Ben Ellis
World Resources Forum