Kofi Bentil, the Senior Vice President of the policy think tank Imani Africa, has called on the Mahama-led government to invest in Electrochem Ghana Limited, a fully Ghanaian-owned enterprise specialising in salt production, founded by entrepreneur Daniel McKorley.
In a statement on his website, Bentil highlighted the company’s significant impact on Ghana’s GDP and its role in creating job opportunities for the youth in Ada. He praised Electrochem for transforming the Songhor Lagoon into a multi-million-pound salt production centre—the largest of its kind in the Greater Accra Region.
“With an investment surpassing $88 million, the project currently yields 650,000 metric tonnes of salt annually, with ambitions to scale up to one million metric tonnes by 2024 and two million by 2027,” he stated.
“Under Mr. Daniel McKorley’s leadership, Electrochem has revitalised the lagoon and generated over 3,000 jobs for the local populace,” Bentil added. He urged the government to support this entirely Ghanaian venture to accelerate industrialisation, enhance the utilisation of local resources, and expand job opportunities for the youth.
“Electrochem’s Salt Revolution: A Ghanaian Triumph That Deserves National Support”By Kofi Bentil, Imani
After hearing numerous accounts about the Electrochem project, my colleagues and I at Imani took the initiative to engage directly with the management of Electrochem Ghana Limited. We visited the facilities and the surrounding area to gain firsthand insight. What we found was truly impressive.
Electrochem, a wholly Ghanaian-owned company under the McDan Group, has turned the Songhor Lagoon into Africa’s largest industrial salt production site. With an investment exceeding $88 million, the project currently produces 650,000 metric tonnes of salt annually, with aspirations to increase this to one million metric tonnes by 2024 and two million by 2027.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the historical difficulties in harnessing the Songhor Lagoon’s potential. Previous governments had attempted to develop the area for over five decades without success. Under Mr. Daniel McKorley’s stewardship, Electrochem has not only revitalised the lagoon but also created over 3,000 jobs for the local community.
Moreover, Electrochem has initiated a 1,000-acre out-grower scheme, involving seven community groups, to promote sustainable salt mining practices while providing additional employment opportunities. The company has also constructed over 70 community salt pans at its own expense, thereby facilitating traditional mining activities for local residents.
Despite these commendable efforts, Electrochem has encountered unjust criticism and opposition. However, a recent investigation by The Fourth Estate revealed that many of the negative claims were unfounded, with local miners regaining access to the lagoon and resuming their traditional activities without obstruction.
This project exemplifies the potential of indigenous entrepreneurship to drive national development. If this were a foreign investment, it would undoubtedly receive widespread acclaim. Instead, it stands as a testament to the vision and determination of a Ghanaian businessman who has not only rejuvenated a vital resource but also uplifted an entire community.
It is crucial for the government, local leaders, and all Ghanaians to rally behind Electrochem and Mr. Dan McKorley. Their success is our collective success. Supporting this initiative will not only strengthen our economy but also position Ghana as a leader in sustainable industrial salt production. Let us unite in support of this remarkable project and ensure its continued success for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
