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

“The government’s support for this initiative aligns with its broader vision of developing an integrated aluminum industry in Ghana,” Mr Brentum underlined, and emphasised that leveraging local bauxite deposits would re­duce the country’s dependence on imported alumina and strengthen domestic industries.

Speaking at the official open­ing of a Community Relations Office at Awaso located in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Munic­ipality, Mr Brentum commend­ed 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.

Ghana Bauxite Company’s General Manager, Mr Alexander Gyedu, provided a brief history of the company, noting that it had been operating at Awaso since the 1940s. For over eight decades, the mine had remained a major source of premium trihydrate bauxite, with an alumina (Al2O3) content of 51 per cent, low silica levels of 2 per cent, and 9 per cent moisture.

Additionally, he stated that the company was Ghana’s first and only operational bauxite mine, currently owned by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), which holds an 80 per cent stake, while the Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Cor­poration (GIADEC), holds 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 in order 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 tons of bauxite in 2022 to 1.7 million tons in 2024.

Furthermore, Mr Gyedu stated that the company was implement­ing various initiatives to further enhance production, including extensive exploration programme to assess bauxite reserves within its concession, the acquisition of additional equipment, and the de­velopment of a new mining area.

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

Ghana Bauxite Company continues to play a key role in Ghana’s mining sector, driving economic growth, fostering local employment, and reinforcing the government’s vision for a robust aluminum industry.