National Security Places Embargo On ‘Atsiakpo’ Within Electrochem’s Concession
“All illegal miners (Atsiakpo) have been given strict and firm directives to only confine their operational activities to the community pans, an area constructed and designated by Electrochem for the communities within its concession”
The National Security in collaboration the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has ordered persons engaged in illegal salt mining locally referred to as Atsiakpo within the Electrochem Ghana concession to cease operation with immediate effect.
According to the directive, the illegal miners are to move into the community pans which are being provided by Electrochem Ghana Limited, the investor, who legally acquired the leasehold agreeement and parliamentary approval to mine salt in commercial quantieis.
The order was issued after a joint security meeting held today in Ada.
Present at the meeting were the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ada West, Hon Sampson Tetteh Kpankpa, representatives from the Ada Traditional Council, Electrochem Ghana, DESPA, Ada Songor Lagoon Association (ASLA), National Investigation Bureau (NIB) and other relevant stakeholders.
The November 22, 2923 meeting was a follow up to the one held the previous day November 21, 2023 at the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council in Accra under the auspices of the Regional Security Council and the National Security.
A statement issued by management of Electrochem Ghana welcomed the new development and assured the companies commitment towards working with all stakeholders to enhance the locally economy in Ada and the country at large.
According to the statement, all illegal miners are expected to restrict their opertions to the pans provided by the company.
“All illegal miners (Atsiakpo) have been given strict and firm directives to only confine their
operational activities to the community pans, an area constructed and designated by Electrochem
for the communities within its concession” the statement said.
The staement further urged illegal operators in certain communities to remove their tarpaulins and other working tools.
“Consequently, illegal miners (Atsiakpo) around Bornikope, Toflokpo, Salom, Kablevu,
Alorngorkpor, Star Chemical, and all environs within the concession are hereby notified to
remove their tarpaulins and other equipment by the close of day on Friday, November 24th,
2023, to allow Electrochem to continue with its planned operational activities.
Electrochem reaffirms its commitment to ongoing engagements, to ensure that all the needs of
stakeholders, with a focus on mutual benefits are met, to foster peaceful coexistence and promote
the overall development of the Ada Traditional Area and Ghana as a whole” the statement noted.
Workers of Electrochem Ghana limited have to withstand constant attacks from some irate youth from communities along its operational areas in opposition to its activities.
The intervention by the National Security is therefore expected to provide a congenial atmosphere for peak production of salt for the domestic and international market.
