By Felix Coffie
Government has intervened in the impasse between a section of the Ada Traditional Council and Electrochem Ghana, the Company which has taken over the Songhor Salt Company.
In a statement of appreciation to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Divisional Chief of Lomobiawe who is also the Spokesperson for the Council, Nene Lomo said the Government ought to be applauded for the decisive and proactive manner it has handled the issue.
Reacting to the call for support for Electrochem by the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, Nene Lomo said the Council will ensure that the peaceful coexistence and all forms of support needed by the Company to thrive will be provided by the Chiefs.
He noted that Electrochem impacted positively in the area creating job opportunities and improved living standards of the people.
Speaking after an inspection tour of the concessions of Electrochem Ghana, Mr Duker said ” the success of Electrochem will inure to the benefit of the people of Ada and the entire Community”.
He noted that, Electrochem Ghana has already invested heavily in the town and committed resources to some key development projects, stressing that Electrochem Ghana has undertaken developmental projects in the areas of sports, education, electrification among others.
Mr Mireku Duker emphasized the unwavering commitment of government to raise Ghanaian entrepreneurs in the mining sector saying “that the establishment of Electrochem feeds into that laudable agenda”.
The Deputy Lands Minister noted that salt mining presents the country another opportunity to diversify her mineral resources and that Ghanaian-owned companies like Electrochem needs to be empowered.
He pointed out that Electrochem and other salt mining companies are adding value to salt production in the country and thereby creating employment opportunities and revenue and with its ability to export the product.
“As a Ministry it is our duty to create the enabling environment for investors who are determined to support and build local champions. The President has tasked us to build local champions within the mining industry so are we more than ready to support indigenes of this country to build a robust mining industry,” he said.