By Bright Philip Donkor
A Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has disclosed that Electrochem Ghana Limited would soon be listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), allowing Ghanaians to invest in the company.
He revealed this when he paid a working visit to inspect the operations of Electrochem Ghana Limited at the Songhor Lagoon in Ada, Greater Accra Region. Mr Mireku Duker said the listing of Electrochem was a testament to the company’s accountability and transparency.
Commendation
He lauded the Group Chairman of McDan Group of Companies, the management, and staff for the visionary and landmark Electrochem Project, which had so far, created 1,800 direct jobs in the area and seen an investment of $80 million. He was particularly impressed by the local content representation in the company.
The Deputy Minister called for an all-hands-on-deck approach to keep the company running. He also appealed some disgruntled residents from the various Ada communities to come on board and ensure the company’s success.
He touted the socio-economic impact of the Songhor project in the area and the country, noting that the company is generating significant revenue for the MIIF.
He believes that a strong and collaborative relationship between mining companies and communities in catchment areas was crucial to the effective harnessing of resources. He, therefore, urged mining companies to consider these communities as key and indispensable partners in their activities.
He commended the company for embarking on a journey to build a refinery. He explained that the initiative aligned with the government’s policy of moving Ghana from raw material exploitation to value addition.
He further suggested that the company create a trust fund that allows the communities to enjoy direct benefits from the revenue generated from salt mining. He noted that such an initiative would help strengthen the relationship between the company and the various communities.
Appreciation
Speaking on behalf of the company, the Group CEO of McDan Group of Companies, Kwaku Ampromfi, commended the Deputy Minister for the visit, noting that the Tarkwa-Nsuaem lawmaker had been consistently supportive of the company.
He revealed that the company was taking measures to continue its expansion as well as fulfill its CSR commitments to the communities.
Nene Agudey, the Vice President of the Ada Traditional Council, assured that the traditional authorities would continue to work with the company to resolve the stand-offs and ensure that the salt was harnessed for the development of Ada and Ghana.
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