The Joint Committees on Mines and Energy and Lands and Forestry have put forward crucial solutions to the ongoing dispute between Electrochem Ghana Limited and Ada residents over salt mining operations at Songor, underscoring the significance of each stakeholder’s role in the resolution process.
After consultations with various stakeholders, the committee has proposed several measures in a comprehensive report, each with the potential to significantly improve the salt mining industry.
Key among the recommendations is the suggestion that Electrochem Ghana Limited continue collaborating with local miners by allocating space within its concession area. This approach aims to foster local participation in the industry while strictly adhering to environmental laws regulated by the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Additionally, the committee underscored the importance of ongoing engagement with stakeholders to dispel misconceptions regarding the ownership of salt deposits.
Emphasizing that salt is a national resource, the committee likened its management to other mineral resources like gold and bauxite across different regions of Ghana.
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) was urged to spearhead educational campaigns in the Salt Mining Area to enhance locals’ understanding of national ownership and the benefits of lawful engagement in mining activities.
The report also addressed security concerns, advocating for enhanced law enforcement to maintain peace and deter unlawful acts that could disrupt operations vital to national development.
Furthermore, the committee called for resolving minor disputes through community-led initiatives facilitated by local chiefs and supported by relevant authorities.
Electrochem Ghana Limited, part of the McDan Group and West Africa’s most extensive salt and chlorine-alkali manufacturer, holds a significant concession spanning 41,000 acres at Ada Songor. Since its inception in November 2020, the company has aimed to produce one million metric tons of salt annually for local consumption and export markets.
The recommendations come amid tensions stemming from President Akufo-Addo’s commissioning of a new salt mining and processing plant in August 2023. This event met with community opposition and subsequent legal challenges.
The committee’s proposals are a testament to their commitment to fostering dialogue, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and promoting sustainable development.
These measures are designed to address community concerns and maximize the economic potential of Ghana’s salt resources, providing a reassuring outlook for the future of the industry.
