Suriname courts Ghanaian investors

A delegation from NV Grasshopper Aluminum Company (GRASSALCO) in the Republic of Suriname is in Ghana to woo indigenous companies in the mining industry to invest in Suriname.

The delegation which was led by the Chief Executive Officer of GRASSALCO, MR Sergio F.D. Akiemboto is in Ghana to share the numerous opportunities that exist in their country’s mining sector and to invite Ghanaian companies into their country for exploration and exploitation of minerals and ores.

The South American country which is rich in natural resources has a total population of 541,539 and a GPD of $5.8 billion is not only seeking long-term partnership with Ghanaian local mining companies but also knowledge transfer, technical assistance and exchange of interns.

According to Mr Akiemboto, they decided to come to Ghana because their country shares some common history and developmental agenda with the West African nation.

“We chose Ghana because I believe we have similar experiences and challenges when it comes to mining but I must say Ghana is ahead of Suriname in terms of legislations and regulations in the area of small-scale mining and it is therefore important for us to tap from the expertise of Ghana so we can organise and benefit from our small scale miners,” he stated.

He added that they were looking forward to transferring some knowledge from Ghana and also creating an enabling environment where it would be easy for Ghanaian miners to come to Suriname to mine.

Mr Akiemboto said they were currently trying to put together a policy framework between the Minerals Commission of Ghana and Suriname to make it easier for Ghanaians to invest in Suriname.

For his part, Mr Herman P. Alendy, a Consultant for GRASSALCO said they would also be working towards eliminating Visa issues between the countries as part of measures to make it easier for Ghanaian investors.

Aside mining, Suriname is also looking forward to launching a direct flight to Ghana which would take six hours instead of the current 15 hours and cumbersome route.

They are also looking at the agriculture sector and any other thing that can create business opportunities for both countries.

GRASSALCO is a 100 per cent government-owned mining company and has the mining rights to a number of locations in Suriname, totaling an area of 125,000 hectors.

The company currently deals in gold, granite (dimension stone and amor rock), aggregates and building materials such as, sand, shells and river gravel.

The company is currently in the process of reorganization with the objective to diversify and expand its operations hence their visit to Ghana. This they say will enable them to respond to demand for raw materials on the local and international markets.