Electrochem Ghana Limited (EGL), a subsidiary of the McDan Group, has launched a Community Out Growers Scheme within its Songhor Lagoon salt mine concession.
The initiative seeks to cede about 2000 hectares of its concession to local salt miners to encourage direct community involvement in salt mining, in line with its commitment to foster socioeconomic development responsibly and sustainably in the host communities.
The scheme has come about following recommendations of a Joint Committee of Parliament on resolving the dispute between the residents and EGL, claiming their livelihoods had been negatively impacted, following the leasing of the entire 41,000 acres of the Songhor Lagoon to the company.
The Chief Executive Officer of EGL, Abdul Razak Adam, indicated that community members would have the opportunity as identifiable groups, to pool resources and knowledge to establish themselves as registered businesses. He said this approach would create jobs and stimulate local economies by enabling participants to share in the benefits of salt mining.
Mr Razak Adam added that the scheme is not just about mining salt but also about mining potential, inspiring innovation and building a legacy of prosperity for future generations.
On its commitment to environmental sustainability, he said, the Community Out Growers Scheme would integrate sustainable practices, ensuring that mining activities do not compromise the environment.
“By prioritising sustainability, we can protect our beautiful landscapes and ensure that our communities will continue to benefit from these resources for years to come.
“We will work closely with participating groups to implement eco-friendly mining techniques and promote responsible resource management,” he said.
He called on notable organisations and other community groups such as DESPA, ASLA and the Youth Forum to take advantage of the programme.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Paramount Chief of Ada Traditional Area, Nene Kanu Abram Akuaku III, noted that when EGL started work, it had good plans to accelerate the community’s development and economic growth.
These included the local participation in salt making, payment of ground rents, increase in production on existing production to attract payment of high royalties, creation of about 4500 jobs and the promise of generous corporate social responsibilities to the people of Ada.
Some of these have already been rolled out, such as the 3 million cedis recovery fund expected to be increased progressively to 10 million within 5 years, interest-free loans to women, provision of water tanks to provide free water to deserving communities, health facilities and schools within the traditional area.
Eva Frempon-Ntiamoah, ISD
