Former President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his decision to reject the Agyapa Royalties Agreement if he gets elected in the 2020 December elections.
The National Democratic Congress flagbearer who has already stated his stance on the controversial agreement in earlier interviews, said in the Upper West region on Thursday that “we will do everything legitimately in our power to frustrate that agreement in the interest of the people of Ghana”.
According to him, the agreement lacks transparency and stakeholders engagement, a reason it must be rejected.
While calling on President Nana Akufo-Addo not to sign that agreement, John Dramani Mahama argued that Ghanaians cannot accept an agreement that has been drafted by a small group of people to “monetize our gold royalties for the next 15 years and even in perpetuity without our consent. There must be a consensus before our royalties are monetized”.
The Agyapa Mineral Royalties Agreement has been a subject of controversies since the majority side of parliament approved the deal amidst protest from the minority side of parliament and Civil Society Organizations.
The agreement between government of Ghana and Agyapa Royalties Limited which acts as a Special Purpose Vehicle is to enable Ghana secure US$ 1 billion to finance large infrastructural projects.
The former President has charged government to engage Civil Society Organizations and traditional rulers before proceeding with its implementation.
“Until government include relevant stakeholders and come to a consensus on how the Agyapa Minerals Royalty Limited needs to be managed, the NDC party will adopt all lawful means to prevent the deal from being implemented,” he added.
