Isaac Ofori Poku, Executive Board Chairman, Ghana Bauxite Company
The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited at Awaso in the Western North Region, has announced plans to build a bauxite refinery, marking a significant milestone in the Company’s quest for value addition.
This announcement was made by the General Manager of the Company, Alexander Gyedu during the official opening of the Community Relations Office by the company at Awaso.
According to Mr. Gyedu, the refinery will play a crucial role in enhancing the Company’s operations and contributing to the growth of Ghana’s economy.
The refinery is expected to process raw bauxite into alumina, a critical component in the production of aluminum. This will not only increase the value of the company’s output but also reduce its reliance on foreign refineries.
By refining bauxite locally, the Company will be able to generate more revenue and create employment opportunities for the local community.
Commenting on this, the Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, said this initiative would not only improve the efficiency of the Company but also create more employment opportunities for the people of Awaso and its surrounding communities.
He said the government’s intention to support the project is part of its broader plan to develop an integrated aluminum industry in Ghana.
Mr. Brentum added that this is to leverage local bauxite deposits to reduce the importation of alumina and support local industries.
The construction of the refinery is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
The Regional Minister reiterated that the government’s support for the project demonstrates its commitment to promoting economic development and adding value to the country’s natural resources.
Wilbert Petty Brentum also commended the management of the Company for their significant 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 added.
Mr. Brentum expressed his conviction that indigenous businesses can thrive when given the opportunity. He believes that locals have the capabilities and skills to make a positive impact on their communities.
According to him, this sentiment is echoed in the government’s commitment to supporting private sector growth, particularly among indigenous businesses, to drive economic prosperity.
He stated that the government’s support for indigenous businesses is crucial for Ghana’s economic development. By promoting local ownership and control, the government aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce reliance on foreign investment.
“Ghana Bauxite Company’s success under local ownership is a testament to the potential of indigenous businesses to drive economic growth” Mr. Brentum said.
Alexander Gyedu, the General Manager of Ghana Bauxite Company limited in a brief background of the company said it has been operating in Awaso , Ghana since 1940s and for over eight decades, the mine has been more than a source of premium trihydrate Bauxite with typical alumina ( AL203) content of 51% and low silica of 2% and 9% moisture.
He added the company is Ghana’s first and only operating mine which is currently owned by Ofori-Poku Company limited (OPCL), a wholly indigenous owned construction with 80% interest and Government of Ghana interest of 20% held by the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC).
Mr. Gyedu mentioned that the company values its human resources and its lifeline and therefore management is committed to welfare and continuous capacity building.
He revealed that when OPCL took over as the major shareholder of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited in 2022, the total number of employees were 483 but as the end of February 2025, the number of employees stands at 1,158 and they are still employing people to increase production.
According to the General Manager, the Company has added 160 fleets of 9 axle truck since taking over in 2022.
He said OPCL has acquired 42 new earth moving equipment, 52 new dump trucks, 16 new utilities, one surface miner and 35 new light duty vehicles, 2 new rollers, tractor slasher among others for mining purposes alone.
The acquisition of the new trucks had largely contributed to improving haulage operations from around 600,000 tons in 2022 to about 1, 700,000 tons of bauxite in 2024.
He continued that the company is bracing up and facing these challenges squarely and intends to embark various initiatives to enhance their production and these include an extensive exploration program aimed at assessing the volumes and quality of bauxite available within its concession, purchase new equipment, and start the preparation and development of a new mining area within their concession among others.
The Paramount Chief of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, Oyeadeeyie Basape Kojo Armah lll praised the Company for taking an initiative to improve corporate social responsibility by providing a community relations office which according to him would help to address all concerns of community stakeholders.
He also reiterated that the transfer of ownership to a Ghanaian has significant improved welfare of workers and the people within the catchment area.
Oyeadeeyie Basape Kojo Armah lll said with the opening of the community relations office is a testament of the commitment of GBC in terms of social community development.