The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, says Ghana is poised to tap into the multibillion-dollar salt industry following the commissioning of the Electrochem Salt Mine and Processing Plant.
Industry experts project that the size of the global salt market will grow from $34.1 billion in 2023 to $48.6 billion by 2030.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the Electrochem Salt Mine and Processing Plant in Ada on Wednesday (30 August), Jinapor said Ghana is now poised to export salt to Nigeria and other countries.
“After several engagements with relevant stakeholders and the payment of compensation to qualified applicants, Electrochem Ghana Ltd has been granted a 15-year mining lease for the commercial production of salt,” the minister said.
“The commissioning of this plant and this mine, equipped with cutting-edge technology and machines, is expected to significantly boost production to meet both domestic and international demand.
“We at the ministry salute the exemplary leadership of Electrochem Ghana Ltd, led by its executive chairman, Dr Daniel McKorley, for partnering the government on this transformative undertaking. We thank the chiefs for their continuous support,” Jinapor said.
Listen to Samuel Abu Jinapor speaking in the audio clip attached below:
Jobs
The group chairman of the McDan Group, Daniel McKorley, is optimistic that the Songor salt project operated by Electrochem Ghana Ltd will employ about 7,000 youth when the final phase is completed.
Phase one of the project has so far employed 3,000 youth bringing some vibrancy into the local economy in Sege in the Ada West district.
Speaking at the same ceremony, McKorley said the project will be a game-changer.
“People asked me questions, and I could see in their eyes the doubt [about] revamping this project,” he said.
“The question they asked me was, ‘Can you do it?’ It sent a quivering fear down my spine. We have been bashed, misquoted, misrepresented, but as a torch bearer, I kept focus.
“Entrepreneurs must be brave to make impact,” McKorley declared. “The project is going to change this country and the Ada community as a whole. This is bringing serious economic benefit that the youth will enjoy.
“As we speak, we have employed 3,000 youth in this place. As we move to Ada East, we are employing 3,000 more. By the end of this project, we are looking at employing 7,000 youth.
“I have never seen a single project in this country employ so many people,” McKorley said.
Reporting by Fred Dzakpata in Accra
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