Electrochem Ghana condemns raid on its facilities, calls for police investigation
Electrochem Ghana Limited has expressed deep concern over an attack on its Ada salt mining facilities, which occurred on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
According to the company, the incident carried out at around 3:00 am, involved armed individuals wielding cutlasses and firearms. The company alleged that the attackers who reportedly claimed affiliation with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), were led by a known political activist.
In a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Abdul Razak Adam, Electrochem disclosed that the assailants vandalised property, stole office supplies, and looted large quantities of salt from the warehouse.
The company further revealed that some employees were injured during the raid, which disrupted operations and caused significant financial losses.
“This criminal act has caused profound disruption to our operations, injured employees, and endangered the safety of our workforce,” the statement read.
Mr Adam highlighted the gravity of the incident, emphasising that the assault not only undermines the company’s ability to operate but also jeopardises the broader investment climate in Ghana.
Growing concerns over security and investments
Electrochem expressed alarm over what it described as a “disturbing trend” of attacks on its facilities.
The company called on authorities to take decisive action to ensure the safety of its workforce and the stability of its operations.
“These recurring security breaches not only threaten our personnel but also destabilise the local economy, which heavily relies on our activities,” Mr Adam stated.
Electrochem has been at the centre of a longstanding conflict over the Songor Lagoon salt mining concession, a dispute that has escalated in recent months.
Residents argue the lagoon is their birthright and have protested against the 15-year lease granted to Electrochem in 2020, claiming it excludes artisanal miners and violates laws meant to protect communal access.
Tuesday’s attack follows similar recent incidents in other parts of the country, where irate groups have targeted public institutions and private companies amid political transitions.
According to Mr Adam, Electrochem has implemented projects such as community pans for artisanal salt mining, clean water infrastructure, education investments, and micro-loan programmes for women entrepreneurs.
“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to the community beyond salt production, fostering sustainable livelihoods and improving living conditions,” the CEO noted.
Calls for government intervention
Electrochem is urging the government to prioritise the prosecution of those responsible for the attack.
The company stressed that such decisive action would deter future incidents and protect the stability of businesses operating in the region.
“We urgently call on the government to direct security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. These acts of violence cannot be tolerated if we are to ensure the safety of our workforce and the continuity of our operations,” Mr Adam said.