Chiefs, residents, artisanal salt miners, and key stakeholders in the Songhor enclave have expressed their support for a new community outgrowers scheme introduced by salt mining company, Electrochem Ghana Limited (EGL).
The scheme, launched on August 26, 2024, aims to provide portions of the company’s salt mining concession to artisanal miners after equipping them with training in sustainable and eco-friendly mining techniques.
The launch ceremony, attended by local chiefs, youth groups, queen mothers, and small business owners, marks a significant step in resolving tensions between Electrochem and residents.
Many had previously voiced concerns over the impact of the company’s salt mining operations on their livelihoods, leading to Parliamentary intervention.
The outgrowers scheme is part of EGL’s ongoing efforts to engage with the community and address these concerns, ceding approximately 2,000 hectares of land to local miners to encourage entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship.
The Paramount Chief of the Ada Traditional Area, Dzetse Nene Kabu Abram Akuaku III, in his address stressed the importance of honouring the promises made by Electrochem, especially regarding the sustainable use of the Songor Lagoon for salt production.
He underscored the company’s commitment to supporting local salt producers with access to free brine, assistance in harvesting, and the development of community facilities to enhance production to international standards.
Nene Akuaku III emphasized the need for active local participation in salt production, calling on EGL to fulfil its pledges of royalty payments, community development, and boosting production capacity.
He noted that the partnership between Electrochem and the Ada Traditional Area could yield significant mutual benefits if the company follows through on its commitments.
The initiative is expected to create around 4,500 jobs, with EGL also introducing a GH¢3 million revolving fund, aimed at supporting women with interest-free loans, improving local water supply, and enhancing health and education facilities. The fund is projected to grow to GH¢10 million over five years.
Nene Akuaku III encouraged local youth and other stakeholders to take advantage of the outgrower scheme by registering with EGL for the necessary training and access to the community pans for sustainable mining practices.
Secretary to the Ada Community Chiefs Association, Nene Dame Sowu III, expressed the chiefs’ full support for the outgrower model, stressing its potential to foster peace, collaboration, and renewed hope for the people of Ada.
Chairman of Kakipe Salt Producers Association, Alfred Nokobi Wuago, endorsed the training initiative, underscoring its role in ensuring high-quality salt production for both Ghana and international markets.
Chairman of the Ada Youth for Development, Amos Martey Osabutey, also expressed optimism about the job opportunities being created for the local youth.
While acknowledging initial tensions between residents and the company, Osabutey noted that many young people and stakeholders are now willing to support Electrochem’s initiatives, especially with land being allocated to them as part of the outgrower scheme.
CEO of Electrochem, Mr. Abdul Razak Adam, reiterated the company’s commitment to socioeconomic development through community involvement.
He emphasized that Electrochem’s success is closely tied to the well-being of the local community and called on pressure groups like DESPA, ASLA, and the Ada Youth Forum to seize the opportunities presented by the scheme.
Mr. Adam reassured the community of Electrochem’s dedication to being more than just a salt-mining company, positioning itself as a key partner in the sustainable development of the Songhor enclave.
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