Features
Govt told to develop rail infrastructure, port to tap bauxite reserves
Mr Ayisi with Dr Kwesi Enyan, also an ALUMaT and Director and Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah (second right) at the workshop
The Head of Technical Services, Rocksure International Limited, Mr Godfried Addo Ayisi, says suggested it is critical for Ghana to speed-up expansion of railway and ports infrastructure, as part of the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI) strategies to tap huge potentials of the country’s bauxite reserves.
He said “For IAI to be successful, there is the need to focus on port facilities and plan railway infrastructure development so that bauxite mines and alumina refineries can easily access them.
“This is critical. Ghana has bauxite resources of commercial quantities. The IAI vision for Government of Ghana is laudable and beneficial and in the interest of government will be protected better.”
Mr Ayisi made these arguments last week when he spoke on the “Overview of Ghana’ Integrated Aluminium Industry” at the 11th annual ALUMaT lecture (2023) at UMaT School of Railways and Infrastructure Development (SRID).
He told the audience that the strategic master plan for the IAI mentioned the improvement of the 326 km western rail line to facilitate transportation and the expansion of the Takoradi Port to facilitate bauxite ore and alumna export.
Mr Ayisi, said the 37-kilometer Takoradi-Manso project funded by the government and executed by Amani had been completed whiles the 77km Manso -Huni Valley line funded by Deutshebank and executed by Amandi was, in progress.
However, the 212km Huni- Valley Nyinahin line to be executed by TheloDB was currently undergoing feasibility studies, but no source of funding secured yet, the lecturer said.
The extension of the gas pipeline through Nyinahin to Kumasi for the provision of adequate power for IAI, he added, was another plank of the strategy.
The 1987 ALuMaT group member stated that, Ghana’s Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC’s) vision for the downstream, was anchored by VALCO smelter to drive the utilisation of locally produced aluminium in Ghana and beyond.
Refinery alone, Mr Ayisi explained, would require the production of caustic soda, made from salt, adding “This is a whole industry by itself.”
He continued “It is clear that government idea of IAI to mine bauxite, refine bauxite into alumna, smelt it into aluminium and use it to produce downstream products will be very beneficial to the development of Ghana.”
Mr Ayisi proposed Ghana mined its bauxite and add value locally to tap huge capital outflows into the economy, arguing that the resources were of high quality with the potentials to drive development, create jobs, and also transform value chain within the mining industry.
Ghana’s total bauxite resource excluding the 814 Metric tonnes from Ejuanema, was 2,112 Mt, and that, assuming 80 percent conversion of the reserve was used at the price of $45.93 per tonne, the country’s total was value at $77.6 billion.
Ghana’s bauxite deposits, Mr Ayisi said, were located within forest reserves, as for example, Awaso was located within the Afao Hills forest reserve, Nyinahin-Mpasaso deposits located within the Tano Offin reserves.
With this, he suggested the use of a surface miner to protect the fauna and flora, using best practices of mining and environmental protection like reclamation and revegetation.
The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, also recognised the potentials of the aluminium industry to diversify the economy and reduce Ghana’s reliance on traditional exports like cocoa and gold.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Essikado
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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