In a move to foster stronger community relations, the Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC) has officially commissioned a Community Relations Office in Awaso.
The initiative is expected to enhance engagement between the company and the chiefs, local authorities, and residents of the mining community.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Western North Regional Minister, Wilbett Petty Brentum, commended GBC for its commitment to deepening ties with the community.
He noted that establishing the office signals a renewed approach to corporate-community collaboration, ensuring that local concerns are addressed and development initiatives are undertaken in partnership with community stakeholders.
“It is very gratifying to know that the new management of GBC takes issues of the Western North Region, and Awaso in particular, seriously. This office will serve as a platform for discussions and collaborative development decisions,” Brentum stated.
Nana Basape Kojo Armah, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Bekwai, lauded the company’s leadership under Ofori Poku Company Limited (OPCL), the majority shareholder, for prioritising both investment in the mines and the well-being of the surrounding communities.
He highlighted the significance of strengthening relations between the company and the local people, emphasising that such partnerships create economic growth and social development opportunities.
“I am pleased that OPCL, as majority shareholder of GBC, is deepening ties with the Awaso community and the Western North Region at large. This Community Relations Office will serve as a bridge for positive engagement between the company and the people,” Nana Armah noted.
GBC’s General Manager, Alexander Gyedu, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to fostering a positive and transparent relationship with the people of Awaso.
He thanked the chiefs and residents for their continued cooperation and pledged that GBC would continue to operate with a community-first approach.
“The commissioning of this Community Relations Office is a testament to our commitment to strengthening our relationship with the people of Awaso and beyond.
GBC is more than just a mining company; we are part of this community, and we are determined to ensure that our presence leads to mutual benefits,” Gyedu stated.
GBC has operated in Awaso since 1940 and remains Ghana’s only active bauxite mining company. Under the new management of OPCL, GBC has significantly expanded its workforce, increasing employment from 465 to 1,061 staff members.
The company has also invested in modern mining equipment to enhance productivity, ensuring that it remains a competitive force in the industry.
Looking ahead, GBC has outlined plans to go beyond raw bauxite exports by refining its ore in Ghana. The establishment of a local refinery is expected to add value to the country’s natural resources while creating additional employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
Furthermore, the company aims to foster economic opportunities that will benefit both the community and the national economy, attracting foreign investments and strengthening Ghana’s position in the global aluminium industry.
The new Community Relations Office will serve as a hub for dialogue between the company and local stakeholders, ensuring that community concerns, employment opportunities, and developmental projects remain a priority.
Through this initiative, GBC seeks to maintain a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship with the people of Awaso, reinforcing its commitment to responsible mining and sustainable community growth.