Govt applauds Ghana Bauxite Company’s plan to establish refinery

The government has commended the management of Ghana Bauxite Company at Awaso for its decision to build a refinery, a move that will add value to the country’s natural resources and contribute to economic growth.

The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, stated that the refinery project would not only enhance the company's operational efficiency but also create employment opportunities for residents of Awaso and surrounding communities.

“The government's support for this initiative aligns with its broader vision of developing an integrated aluminium industry in Ghana,” Mr Brentum stated.

He emphasised that leveraging local bauxite deposits would reduce the country’s dependence on imported alumina and strengthen domestic industries.

Community Relations

At the opening of the company’s Community Relations Office in Awaso in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, Mr Brentum reiterated the government’s dedication to adding value to the country’s natural resources.

He lauded Ghana Bauxite Company’s management for their substantial investments in improving operational performance.

“Since Ofori-Poku Company Limited took over from foreign operators three years ago, the company has demonstrated remarkable growth and efficiency,” he noted.

Mr Brentum also underscored the importance of supporting indigenous businesses, expressing confidence in the ability of local enterprises to thrive when given the opportunity. He stressed that promoting local ownership would create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce reliance on foreign investment.

“Ghana Bauxite Company’s success under local ownership is proof that indigenous businesses have the potential to drive economic growth,” he added.

History

The Ghana Bauxite Company’s General Manager, Alexander Gyedu, provided a brief history of the company, noting that it had been operating in Awaso since the 1940s.

For over eight decades, the mine has remained a major source of premium trihydrate bauxite, with alumina (Al₂O₃) content of 51 per cent, low silica levels of two per cent, and nine per cent moisture.

He stated that the company was Ghana’s first and only operational bauxite mine, currently owned by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), which was holding an 80% stake, while the Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), held the remaining 20 per cent.

Mr Gyedu emphasised the company’s commitment to its workforce, describing employees as the lifeline of the business.

Since OPCL became the major shareholder in 2022, the company has increased its workforce from 483 employees to 1,158 as of February 2025, with plans to continue hiring to boost production.

Under OPCL’s leadership, the company has significantly expanded its fleet, adding 160 nine-axle trucks since 2022.

It has also acquired: 42 new earth-moving machines, 52 dump trucks, 16 utility vehicles, 35 light-duty vehicles, a surface miner, and two rollers and a tractor slasher, among other equipment.

These investments have led to a substantial increase in haulage operations, from approximately 600,000 tonnes of bauxite in 2022 to 1.7 million tonnes in 2024.

Mr Gyedu stated that the company was implementing various initiatives to further enhance production.

These include an extensive exploration programme to assess bauxite reserves within its concession, the acquisition of additional equipment, and the development of a new mining area.

Chief’s position

The Paramount Chief of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, Oyeadeeyie Basape Kojo Armah III, lauded Ghana Bauxite Company for its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

He said the opening of a Community Relations Office would help address concerns from stakeholders and strengthen engagement with the local community.

He also emphasised that the transition to Ghanaian ownership had led to significant improvements in worker welfare and overall community benefits.

“The opening of this office is a testament to Ghana Bauxite Company’s dedication to social and community development,” he said.