Protesters vandalize Electrochem’s facilities at Ada Songor Lagoon

Some protesters on Thursday besieged the premises of Electrochem Ghana Limited’s salt mining facility at the Songor Lagoon in Ada, in attempt to take control of the facility.

They reportedly vandalized equipment, marking a major escalation in the long-running dispute over the mining concession.

According to company officials, CCTV footage shows individuals moving through the facility.

Videos shared on social media depict protesters gathering outside the company premises.

Electrochem CEO Razak Adam has confirmed the development, alleging significant damage to company property.

“They have vandalised our office building, destroyed our security installations, including CCTV cameras, and taken over the factory,” Mr Adam said.

He also claims that valuable equipment, including motorbikes and television sets, have been stolen, along with large quantities of salt.

“This turn of events is deeply unfortunate,” Mr Adam remarked, expressing dismay at the destruction caused.

Mr Adam emphasised that Electrochem is one of the largest employers in the area, providing critical economic opportunities for local residents.

The protesters claim their actions were triggered by allegations that Electrochem’s security forces assaulted the Chief of Sege-Nakomkope. However, Mr Adam strongly denied this accusation. “That is totally untrue. I met with the chief yesterday, and he personally refuted this claim,” he stated.

Conflict rooted in disputed mining concession

The clash is the latest chapter in a protracted dispute between Electrochem and local residents, who argue that the Songor Lagoon is their ancestral heritage and a vital resource for their livelihoods.

The conflict traces back to Parliament’s 2020 decision to grant Electrochem a 15-year lease covering 42,000 acres of the lagoon.

Residents have criticised the lease, claiming it violates PNDC Law 287, which originally designated the lagoon for communal use. They argue that the concession excludes artisanal miners and undermines their economic survival.

“A portion of the 142,000 acres given to Electrochem should be allocated to locals so they can also mine salt to support their families,” the Ada West District Chief Executive suggested in recent discussions to resolve the dispute.

Political undercurrents and similar protests

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the role of politics in the unrest. While Electrochem is a private company, some suggest that the transition to a new government may have emboldened the protesters. Mr Adam has alleged that certain groups had previously planned to take over the concession in the event of a government change.

This is not the first time public or private institutions have faced such disruptions following political transitions. on Wednesday, January 8 2025, irate youth stormed public institutions in Tema, demanding the removal of New Patriotic Party (NPP) appointees and other similar incidents have been reported across the country. 

Calls for equitable solutions

Community leaders and political figures have called for a balanced approach to the resource’s management. During a community engagement last month, Divine Agorho, Greater Accra NPP Chairman, said, “The elephant must eat, and the ant must also eat. Investors are welcome, but the arrangement must ensure that locals benefit too.”

Parliamentary candidates from both major political parties have echoed calls for a review of the lease agreement. NPP candidate Dodzie Numekevor questioned the fairness of granting the entire lagoon to a single entity, stating, “You cannot classify salt as a mineral in the same way as gold. The lease should be reviewed so that some can be given to the people.”

However, a joint parliamentary committee has previously stated there is no legal or factual basis for the government to interfere with the leases granted to Electrochem.