Ada chiefs, community members resolve Songhor salt mining dispute with Electrochem Ghana after parliamentary directive

Electrochem Ghana Limited has allocated 1,000 acres of land to seven pressure groups in Ada to engage in their mining scheme, in addition to another 1,000 acres for a community planning programme.

This allocation is part of the company’s recently launched out-growers scheme, which aims to train community members and other bodies who mine in the area to do so within the confines of the law to protect the environment.

Under the scheme, the groups are allocated a portion of land each will undergo training and supervision to engage in their mining activities while protecting the environment.

The groups include the Ada Youth Forum East, Ada Youth Forum West, Songor Salt Producers Association, Ada Community Chiefs Association, and Tekpebiavwe Youth Group, among others.

The Chief Executive Officer of Electrochem, Abdul Razak Adam, stated, “It is the vision of Electrochem Ghana to position Ghana as a dominant player in the global chloroalkyl industry.

“We rise once again to meet the demand of the community, having extensively engaged our host communities, their representatives, the Ada Traditional Council, the opinion leaders, and recently with our parliamentarians.”

He added, “Through this scheme, community members will have the opportunity as identified groups to put resources and knowledge together to establish themselves as registered businesses.

“We will train them for responsible mining, business management, and secondary entrepreneurship. We will work closely with the participatory groups to implement eco-friendly mining techniques and promote responsible resource management to prioritize sustainability and protect our beautiful land,” he said during the launch of the scheme on Monday August 26, 2024, at Ada.

He added, “Poverty is the common enemy; let’s join hands to eliminate poverty.”

He further urged, calling on other pressure groups to come forward for negotiation.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ada East District praised the initiative, noting that it would encourage young women in the community to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses and participate in the mining project.

She also thanked President Akufo-Addo for the Free SHS policy, which has enabled more students to receive free education.

Dzetse Nene Kabu Abram Akuaku III, the Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area, also praised the initiative and pledged his support to ensure safe mining and a peaceful environment.

This decision fulfills a promise Electrochem made when they appeared before a joint committee of Parliament set up to resolve the dispute between the company, and the traditional and community leaders of Ada over the salt mine in the Songhor Lagoon.

The dispute had persisted for years following the leasing of the entire 41,000 acres of the Songhor Lagoon to Electrochem Ghana Limited (ELG), owned by Daniel McKorley.

The committee, as part of its resolution, directed Electrochem Ghana Limited to enlarge their social intervention activities as their fortunes improve to help alleviate poverty in the communities.

AM/KA

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