Watch as irate residents of Ada storm salt mining company over Songor Lagoon concession

More than 50 individuals, armed with sticks, forcibly entered the company’s premises and engaged in activities such as gathering salt in protest.

This incident follows a broader call by residents for greater inclusion in the salt-mining activities carried out on their ancestral lands.

Electrochem Ghana Limited, a wholly Ghanaian-owned company, has been working to turn the Ada Songhor concession into a major hub for both local and international salt production.

However, the project faces opposition from local residents and some stakeholders.

In 2024, the Committee on Mines and Energy of Parliament, alongside the Committee on Lands and Forestry, reviewed submissions from all parties involved and recommended that Electrochem Ghana Limited expands its social intervention efforts.

One key recommendation was to allow local miners to work within the concession area under mutually beneficial terms.

Mining operations should be carried out in accordance with environmental laws set by the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Additionally, the committees suggested ongoing engagement to address misconceptions about salt being viewed as a local resource, similar to gold, petroleum, or bauxite in other regions.

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) was urged to conduct an educational campaign to clarify the national value of salt and deter lawlessness.

Some local MPs also planned educational tours and durbars to further engage the community.

The committees emphasised the importance of security measures to prevent disruptions and protect national resources, with local authorities, including chiefs and the police, being urged to educate the community on the importance of lawful conduct.

NCCE and Parliament were encouraged to lead efforts to promote understanding of the national stake in Electrochem’s salt mining operations.

Electrochem has committed to responsible mining, with plans to allocate 60% of its salt production for export and 40% for local consumption.

Despite this vision, the company faces challenges from political and local resistance.

In response to ongoing tensions, the committee recommended that the company increases its social intervention activities to support local communities as the company’s fortunes improve.

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