The tug-of-war between the salt mining company Electrochem and residents of Ada is nearing resolution as the company allocates salt mining sites to the residents for their artisanal activities.

A parliamentary joint committee recently reviewed a petition by some residents and the salt mining company operating in the community.

The committee encouraged the company to allocate some sites to the residents.

The company agreed, noting that this aligns with its short- and long-term objectives.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Bagbin had ordered a joint committee to address the impasse.

The parties appeared before the committee and were encouraged to resolve the disputes and cede some sites to the residents.

In a brief ceremony, Electrochem handed over sites to seven identified groups, including chiefs, youth, women, and queen mothers, for environmentally friendly mining of high-quality salt.

Razak Abdulai Adam stated that, the company had earmarked 2,000 acres for these groups. Seven groups have completed the process, with ten more in progress, all set to benefit from the new model.

He stressed the importance of coexistence and the goal of producing quality salt with a stronger market chain.

Beneficiary groups expressed optimism, noting that this development represents a new dawn.

They anticipate being able to engage in responsible mining and access a ready market from the company, unlike before.

The Ada Traditional Council acknowledged the company’s efforts to transform the area, expressing appreciation for the initiative.

Source: Ohene Amponsah

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