Board Chairman of Electrochem Ghana, Lawyer Kofi Abotsi has stressed the need for private sector investments for Songor salt development project to remain closely aligned with the interests of the Ghanaian people, emphasizing that business decisions must ultimately contribute to national development.
Speaking during a visit by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to Electrochem Ghana Limited, Mr. Abotsi said investors and business leaders have a responsibility to ensure that their activities serve both commercial objectives and the broader public good.
“As we move forward, the interests of private investors and the people of Ghana must remain aligned,” he stated. “We must always be guided by the understanding that the common interest of the people of Ghana and the interests of those leading and investing in our economy should ultimately be reflected in the decisions and investments we make.”
Mr. Abotsi described the engagement as an important milestone in the company’s efforts to strengthen its position within an increasingly competitive global environment.
He expressed optimism that continued collaboration among stakeholders would contribute to the growth of the company while advancing Ghana’s economic aspirations.
He welcomed representatives of civil society, company executives, members of the media, and other invited guests, thanking them for their participation in the briefing.
According to him, fostering constructive dialogue among stakeholders is essential to ensuring that investment-driven development creates sustainable benefits for local communities and the country as a whole.
The Vice President of the Ada Traditional Council, Manklalo of Ada, Nene Agudey Obichere III has called for unity, dialogue and inclusive development as business leaders toured the Electrochem Ghana and Songor Salt project in Ada, stressing that local communities must be active beneficiaries of investments taking place in the area.
Addressing leaders and representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) during a visit to the Songor salt, the traditional leader emphasized the need for a comprehensive development master plan to guide the future growth of communities surrounding the Songor Lagoon.
According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved through careful planning, broad stakeholder consultation and a shared vision accepted by chiefs, elders, youth and residents.
He noted that many of the challenges confronting local communities could be addressed through a well-documented and widely understood master plan that outlines development priorities and ensures coordinated implementation.
The traditional leader also underscored the importance of maintaining peace and unity among community members, saying collaboration among all stakeholders would be essential to securing long-term prosperity and stability.
Touching on the history of the Songor Lagoon project, he explained that an earlier concept envisaged the creation of a joint venture company that would manage water inflows into the lagoon through pipeline infrastructure, ensuring a steady supply of seawater to operators.
However, the plan was never fully implemented, leading to years of uncertainty over concessions, operational rights and access to water resources.
He said concerns over land allocation and development needs prompted extensive negotiations involving communities and other stakeholders.
These discussions eventually increased the land area earmarked for development from an initial 748 acres to 2,000 acres, creating more space for industrial operations, infrastructure and community participation.
According to him, the focus has now shifted to ensuring the equitable distribution of opportunities and benefits arising from the project among the affected communities.
Addressing concerns raised by some residents about the development, the Vice President of the Traditional Council said local leaders have consistently advocated for arrangements that guarantee direct benefits to communities rather than investments that serve only commercial interests.
He identified access to water and community participation in the benefits of the project as key issues that require continued engagement and negotiation. If communities are assured of receiving tangible benefits, including access to water and economic opportunities, he said there would be greater support for the initiative.
The traditional leader urged all stakeholders to embrace open dialogue and transparency, encouraging proponents and critics of the project to present their positions openly for public consideration.
He strongly rejected violence as a means of resolving disagreements, stressing that differing opinions should not divide communities.
“Those with opposing views are not enemies. They are our relatives and members of the same community. We must engage one another through dialogue, understanding and mutual respect,” he said.
He further described the Songor project as a commercial venture whose success should ultimately be measured by the benefits it delivers to local people.
He expressed confidence that constructive negotiations could secure even greater advantages for the communities while ensuring the long-term viability of the investment.
The visit by the CSOs formed part of efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement around the Songor Salt project, which is expected to play a significant role in Ghana’s industrialisation agenda while creating jobs and economic opportunities for residents of Ada and surrounding communities.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to promote stakeholder engagement and deepen understanding of Electrochem’s operations and its role in Ghana’s industrial and economic development.
In an interview with Mr. Kofi Owusu Hene aka Kofi Kapito, Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), he expressed great appreciation at the level of investment that Electrochem Ghana has made and continue to make in making Ada a salt development hub for Africa.
He however urged management to find comfortable grounds for dialogue between it and the community members so as they understand the project and its benefits to the community and the nation at large.
