Ghana Bauxite Company targets 6m tonnes production this year

The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBCL) has set an ambitious target of producing six million tonnes of bauxite by the end of 2025. 

To achieve the goal, the company has invested $122.97 million to upgrade its infrastructure and improve operational efficiencies.

The investment has enabled GBCL to acquire a robust fleet of equipment, including surface miners, haulage trucks, dump trucks, excavators and retool existing plant and machinery.

The General Manager of GBCL, Alexander Gyedu, at a press briefing at Awaso in the Western North Region, said the company's production volumes had already seen a significant boost.

He added that the use of  surface mining, drill and blast methods had increased production from 1.3 million tonnes per annum to about 1.8 million tonnes in 2024, from 600,000 tonnes in 2022.

Mr Gyedu attributed the historic production milestone to Ofori-Poku Company Limited's (OPCL) takeover of Bosai Group in 2022.

Background

OPCL's acquisition of GBCL has brought about significant changes, including the replacement of old and dilapidated equipment.

As of February 2025, OPCL had acquired 42 new earth-moving equipment, 52 new dump trucks, 16 new utilities, one surface miner and 35 new light-duty vehicles, among others.

The company is expecting the delivery of a second surface miner by the end of June this year.

The Haulage Department of the company has also seen significant improvements, with OPCL adding 161 fleet of nine-axle trucks since taking over in 2022.

This has led to a substantial increase in haulage operations, from around 600,000 tonnes in 2022 to about 1.7 million tonnes of bauxite in 2024.

As GBCL works towards achieving its production target of six million tonnes by the end of 2025, Mr Gyedu said the company remained committed to environmentally responsible mining practices.

The General Manager said the acquisition of new equipment and technology was expected to reduce the company's environmental footprint.

“GBC also plans to expand its operations and increase production to have a positive impact on the local economy,” Mr Gyedu stated, adding that the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmentally responsible mining practices was a testament to its dedication to sustainable development.

Journey

In 2022, Isaac Ofori Poku (IOP), a Ghanaian businessman, acquired approximately 80 per cent shares of GBCL, located at Awaso in the Western North Region, marking a significant milestone in Ghana's mining industry.

This acquisition means a local entity now owns majority shares in the company, paving the way for a new era of success.

Under IOP's leadership, GBCL has undergone a remarkable transformation, aligning with one of the major visions of Mr Ofori Poku to reduce the unemployment rate in the catchment areas and Ghana at large.

Consequently, the company has increased its contract staff strength from 465 to 1,061 employees, with 976 males and 85 females.

This significant increase in employment opportunities has had a positive impact on the local economy.

The results are impressive. Last year, GBCL, Awaso, exported a record 1.8 million tonnes of bauxite ore to China and other parts of the world.

“The success of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited under IOP's leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved when local businesses are given the opportunity to thrive.

With a dynamic and energetic management team, supported by a committed workforce, the company is poised for even greater success in the future,” Mr Gyedu stated.