Salt miners working on a concession leased to Electrochem Ghana Limited for salt mining operations have resolved to resist any attempts by the company to eject them.
This determination stems from the Ada East District Assembly’s recent issuance of a final warning to communities around the Songor Lagoon, instructing them to vacate Electrochem’s concession by January 3, 2024, to allow the company to commence operations.
The District Assembly has set December 31, 2023, as the deadline for the salt miners to vacate the concession.
“The District Assembly has received official notice from the company of its intention to start operations in the District on the 3rd of January 2024. To this end, you are hereby informed to vacate from the land with all your machines to allow the company to start its operations. You are on this note given up to 31st December 2023, to finally leave the concession.”
Ada East District Assembly
The Ada East portion of the Songor Lagoon concession, released by the Minerals Commission on October 29, 2020, for a 15-year restricted mining lease, has received parliamentary ratification.
Despite the official notice from Electrochem about its intent to commence operations on January 3, 2024, the salt miners are vehemently resisting the eviction order. Residents insist that they will not comply until adequate compensation is provided with the affected salt miners and community members.
Abraham Ahumah, the Public Relations Officer and Organiser of Ada Songor Lagoon Association (ASLA) emphasized the community’s determination to gather at the concession to prevent any potential eviction. He highlighted the extensive coverage of the company’s license, encompassing 41,000 acres of land, including villages within the concession. Residents argue that proceeding with operations would be disastrous, as salt mining is integral to their livelihoods.
The Public Relations Officer and Organiser of Ada Songor Lagoon Association (ASLA), Abraham Ahumah, said the community will gather at the concession tomorrow to prevent any possible eviction.
“The license they gave to the company has covered 41,000 acres of land; some of our villages are within the concession. If they go ahead with their operations, it will bring disaster. We have taken salt mining as our entrepreneurial job. We have decided to resist any move by them today; tomorrow we will be on the land; all the village people will be there.
“We don’t have any place to carry our houses or shops, and so we will remain on the land; we will continue to do our salt business. We have nowhere to go; we are not packing our things anywhere. We are rejecting what the district assembly has done. They should pay fair and reasonable compensation to affected residents; that is what the rules stipulate.”
Abraham Ahumah
He further urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Akuffo Dampare, to ensure peace and security in the area to prevent any potential conflicts.
“IGP, National Security should ensure they bring police to ensure peace and security to Ada; we have informed them that we will not allow any more killings.”
Akuffo Dampare
This resistance follows a previous shooting incident on November 6, where an argument between Electrochem Ghana Limited and Ada residents resulted in one fatality and several injuries.
The company has announced plans to establish a community salt mine for local miners in the Ada East District before initiating commercial salt mining operations.
Salt mining in Ghana plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and local livelihoods. The Songor Lagoon, a significant salt production area, hosts numerous salt miners who extract salt through traditional methods. These methods involve evaporating seawater to obtain the precious mineral.
The salt industry faces challenges, including land disputes and environmental concerns, but remains vital for communities dependent on salt extraction. With ongoing efforts to balance economic gains with environmental sustainability, salt mining in Ghana remains a cornerstone of local industry and commerce.
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