The launch of Electrochem Ghana’s outgrower scheme has been welcomed by the local chiefs and youth groups in Ada, as it promises to significantly improve the livelihoods of the indigenous population.
Abdul Razak Adam, CEO of Electrochem, highlighted the importance of this project for the Ada people, noting that it should be seen as an opportunity for economic transformation rather than just a peace offering after previous tensions between the company and the community.
The scheme will provide local miners with concessions to extract salt, offering them a reliable market through guaranteed purchases by Electrochem.
This structured system offers a stark contrast to the previous unregulated salt mining, where anyone could mine, often leading to a devaluation of the product.
Now, with Electrochem setting the standard, salt mining has become a profitable venture.
Local leaders, including Nene Dameh Sewu III, Chief of Togbloku Okor, have expressed their full support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to bring about lasting change.
The Ada Community Chiefs Association, representing 50 chiefs, has pledged to ensure that their communities adhere to the regulations governing the scheme to maximize its benefits.
Youth groups have also embraced the project. Lord Freeman Aleley, Secretary of the Terkperbiawe Youth Association, underscored the financial opportunities the scheme presents, especially for the younger generation.
Aleley noted that since Electrochem’s involvement, salt has gained significant value, making it a more attractive and viable business for local miners.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of the initiative, highlighting the fact that previously, the absence of regulations and market structure had made salt mining less appealing.
This scheme is poised to create jobs, uplift the community, and change the perception of salt mining as a profitable industry in Ada.
The involvement of local chiefs and youth groups signifies strong community backing, ensuring that the project is not only economically viable but socially impactful.