Lithium deal: Govt’s boastful claim on 10% Royalty, a celebration of mediocrity – NDC

The NDC contends that while the government asserts Barari DV will be subjected to a 35% corporate tax rate, there exists a pressing need for clarity on the company’s status and a thorough disclosure of concessions granted.

The Mining Lease, according to the NDC, merely stipulates that Barari DV should pay taxes in adherence to Ghana’s mining laws, leaving room for ambiguity and speculation.

In a statement, the Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi noted that “On the claim by the government, that Barari DV will be paying corporate tax of 35% under the deal, it is important for government to clarify the status of the company and provide the full facts relative to concessions that have been granted the company.

“What the Mining Lease expressly provides is that, Barari DV shall pay taxes in accordance with the mining laws of Ghana, without more.

We are however told that the Company is registered under the Ghana Free Zones Authority and is entitled to a 10-year tax holiday, when such tax concessions are ordinarily not granted to mining companies in the country.

“It is therefore imperative, for government to clarify the status and tax obligation of Barari DV and its parent company

Ghanaians deserve to know all the concessions government is giving the company (Barari DV/Atlantic Lithium) for a holistic assessment of the benefits of the deal.