Michael Ansah (3rd left) with some traditional rulers and officials of OPCL
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Michael Ansah, says his outfit is working with the government and its new partner, Ofori Poku Company Limited (OPCL), to stabilise the existing mining operations at Awaso.
OPCL is the new majority shareholder of Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC), following the exit of the Chinese firm Bosai Minerals Group (former majority shareholders).
In March 2022, the wholly-owned Ghanaian company acquired 80 percent of shares, with the remainder 20 percent held by the government, following Bosai’s decision to pull out of operations and exit the country. GoG’s interest in GBC is held by GIADEC.
The new outlook for GBC, in the short to medium term, according to Mr Ansah, is to ramp up production from one million tonnes per annum to two million per annum.
The GIADEC boss made this known when he led a delegation, including officials of OPCL, to pay a courtesy call on traditional leaders of Ahwiaso and Sefwi Bekwai in the Western North region.
The visit was to introduce the new majority shareholder of GBC to the traditional leaders.
Touching on the role of OPCL in executing Project 1, one of four projects under the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI), Mr Ansah emphasised that GIADEC is currently assessing the capacity of OPCL to execute Project 1 which involves the expansion of the existing Awaso mine and building of a refinery.
He expressed gratitude to the traditional leaders for their continuous support of the IAI vision, and assured them that he remains committed to the overriding goal of value addition.
Seamless transition
During a meeting with the President of the Western-North Regional House of Chiefs and Sefwi Ahwiaso Traditional Council, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, at his Palace in Sefwi Ahwiaso, the traditional leader, who doubles as President of the National House of Chiefs, commended GIADEC for ensuring a seamless transition from the old to the new managers of GBC which has led to the continuity of work without any break.
He was particularly thankful to Mr Michael Ansah for playing an instrumental role in ensuring that there were no job losses during the transitional phase as that was a major concern, especially, for the local workers.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II commended OPCL for taking up the management of GBC and urged them to turn a new leaf in the operations of the company.
According to him, the communities have not enjoyed any meaningful benefits, especially, during the administration of Bosai Minerals Group Limited, and thus expect OPCL to do things differently.
He made a passionate appeal to OPCL and GIADEC to offer employment opportunities to the teeming youth in the area and keep the traditional council updated on major developments.
Support
At the palace of the President of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Council, Oyeadeyie Basape Kwadwo Armah II, for a formal introduction of OPCL officials, the acting President of the Traditional Council, Katakyie Kwasi Afful, reiterated the need for OPCL not to neglect the community but see it as one of its key stakeholders.
He pledged his support and that of his people to the operations of GBC under the new management of OPCL adding that the success of GBC will bring massive developments to the communities that have eluded them for years.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of OPCL, Mr Ofori Poku, was grateful to the traditional leaders for their endorsement and show of support.
He assured them that GBC recognizes the traditional leaders and people in the communities as development partners and his visit is to rekindle and further strengthen the relationship existing between them.
The delegation from GIADEC included its Deputy CEO, Akwasi Osei-Adjei, Executive Assistant to the CEO, Kojo Yankah, Communications Manager, Sheriff Appiah, External Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Ernest Appiah, and Joseph Chibae Adjaho, member of the Communications team.
About The Author
