Ghana is positioning itself as a major force in the global chloro-alkali industry which is expected to hit an annual value of US$100 billion by 2030.
The country could play a pivotal role in the electro-chemical process that drives the industry with its vast, untapped reserves of sodium chloride (salt).
Mr. Abdul Razak Adam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Electrochem Ghana Limited (EGL), revealed this vision on Monday, August 26, during the launch of a Community Outgrower Scheme and Land Allocation event at the company’s premises in the Ada Songhor enclave.
Mr. Adam emphasized that Electrochem’s mission extends beyond salt mining, focusing on Ghana’s potential as a dominant player in this globally significant industry.
“Electrochem is not simply a salt mining company but a vision of what role Ghana should play in this industry of global significance,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Mr. Adam urged collective action to ensure the project’s success.
“The vision behind the project is huge, the demands daunting, and it will take a hefty toll. However, as with all visionary projects, it is often easily misunderstood, maligned, and even nipped in the bud. But collectively, as a company, community, and as a nation and continent, we cannot afford to allow this project to fail,” he asserted.
He expressed confidence in the project’s future, stating, “The Electrochem project will thrive and succeed far beyond generations yet unborn.”
The CEO stressed the importance of the well-being of the surrounding communities and the broader ecosystem in determining the success of Electrochem’s vision.
He noted that the newly launched Community Outgrower Scheme would play a key role in this regard.
He said, “The scheme is designed to train artisanal miners in sustainable and globally accepted techniques of salt mining, which will drive Ghana’s ambition to control the global chloro-alkali industry.”
Mr. Adam added that this initiative is an extension of the company’s commitment to fostering socioeconomic development in the host communities.
The Community Outgrower Scheme allows residents to pool resources, register as businesses, and participate in salt mining using pans created by EGL.
This initiative aims to create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and offer long-term opportunities for community members.
The project follows a Parliamentary intervention aimed at resolving conflicts between Electrochem and residents, who had expressed concerns about the impact of the company’s salt mining lease on their livelihoods.
Mr. Adam encouraged the Ada communities to seize the opportunity to register and collaborate with Electrochem, ensuring that the project benefits all stakeholders.
He urged the various groups in Ada to embrace the opportunity to work hand in hand with Electrochem to uplift the communities and ensure that the fruits of the labour benefit all.
