By Edzorna Francis Mensah
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has commissioned a Multi-Million Dollar ultra-modern salt mining and processing plant at Ada Songor with the capacity to produce One Million (1,000,000) metric tons of salt per annum to supply local and export markets.
The company, Electrochem Ghana Limited, a wholly owned Ghanaian company registered in 2017 under the laws of Ghana, a subsidiary of McDan Group of Companies is expected 2025 to produce two Million (2,000,000.00) metric tons of salt per annum by the time the phase two of the project will be operational fully situated on about 41,000 acres of land.
Electrochem is strategically positioned to leverage over two decades of expertise and resources to invest in and maximize returns from the salt and chemical industries.
President Nana Addo lauded the efforts of Dr. Daniel McKorley the founder, chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies for leading the industrialization drive of the country, a vision he said, was in line with his policies of putting factories in every District of the country to provide sustainable jobs for Ghanaians.
In responding to a plea from McDan on the roads linking the communities and factory to the port Mr. President promised to construct roads leading to the Songor Salt Mine in Ada to aid the smooth operation of the mine as requested.
He pledged to talk to the Road Minister for immediate action and to also ensure that, the necessary funds are released on time-
“I have taken note of the request by McDan for the construction of some major roads leading to the mine and I will put this request to the Minister of Roads and ensure that he is disbursed to construct the roads and I will take a personal interest in them.”
“For this project to thrive, it will need the support and backing not only of the government but also of the people and chiefs of the community, and to this end, I will want to extend the appreciation of the government and people of Ghana to my good friend, the paramount chief of the Ada traditional area and his chiefs and people for giving the support you have given your own son and it is a gesture that should be emulated by other traditional authorities.
“You have seen for yourself the development that this project is already bringing to Ada including the construction of a sports complex, interest-free loans to traders and businesswomen and men of Ada, the construction of roads, the introduction of a scholarship scheme, and the provision of potable water for the communities in the catchment area, he submitted.”
On his part, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, said, the Ministry, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo will continue to work towards the efficient, effective, and sustainable exploitation, management and utilization of the natural resources of the country.
According to him, “Today by dint of hard work, we are the leading producer of gold on the continent. And by the same token, we are earnestly constructing an integrated aluminum industry. We have just enacted a Green Minerals Policy which will ensure that these critical minerals are exploited for the benefit of our people. And this morning, before our very eyes, we are here to commission an ultra-modern salt-washing plant, to aid in the commercial production of salt”.
The Minister said, without a shred of doubt, that the Government is putting in place the building blocks for an industrial Ghana, which he stressed will unleash much-needed jobs and prosperity for the masses of our people,….”We will continue to count on the support of all actors to make Ghana the mining hub of Africa, and together, with you, the Chiefs and People of Ada, we can make Ada the centre of salt mining in Africa”.
