Features
The essential decisions to establish a bauxite refinery
In line with the desire to process part of its raw materials before export and to ensure high generation of income for the country as well as make the country independent of other economies, the Government of Ghana has decided to establish a bauxite refinery, the first of its kind, to process raw bauxite into aluminium products.
In total, it is estimated that the country has about 900million metric tonnes of bauxite minerals across three main locations in Ghana. These are Awaso in the Western Region, Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region and Kibi in the Eastern Region. Awaso has about 60 million tonnes, Nyinahin 700 million tonnes and Kibi 160 million tonnes.
STRATEGIC PARTNER
To be able to make this a reality, the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) has signed an agreement with a strategic partner, Rocksure International which is a wholly owned Ghanaian company. Being a Ghanaian owned company, Rocksure International operates across Ghana and West African sub region. It has expertise in mining, drilling, loading, and haulage services.
The good news about this is that unlike the previous practice where strategic investors were foreigners, this one is wholly Ghanaian owned going to show that Ghanaians today, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, is poised to become truly economically independent as far as bauxite mining and refinery are concerned.
The project would require a huge investment amount of six (6) billion dollars. This will make it one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken in this country since the country became independent.
AMBITIOUS AND AUDACIOUS PROGRAMME
Not only is this programme ambitious, but it is also audacious, an indication that with certainty and boldness in our minds and planning, we would be able to go far and move the country to a higher pedestal of development. The amount of investment is to come from the private sector and once again it goes to show that with proper planning and coordination, the public sector can collaborate with the private sector to achieve the ultimate for the country.
Until this time, most of the raw materials in the country were exported in their raw form and this brings in a tiny amount of income which is used to purchase highly priced manufactured imports from developed countries. As a result of this practice, income earned by Ghana and other developing countries have always proved inadequate to cover our imports. This accounts for the poverty and poor standard of living experienced in many African countries including Ghana.
The setting up of the bauxite refinery to manufacture Aluminium products in the country is, therefore, a wake and clarion call to change our paradigm of development to be able to compete favourably with the rest of the world. With this arrangement, the vision of the president for Ghana-Beyond-Aid can become a reality. It will also show other African countries that they need to follow Ghana’s example and make their economic independence real.
COMPETITIVE BIDDING
The selection of the strategic partner, Rocksure International, did not come by chance. It was the result of rigorous series of processes involving about 39 companies which actively participated in the processes in form of competitive bidding. At the end of it all, Rocksure International was selected based on strategic competence, vision, and readiness to ensure the attainment of quality results for the bauxite refinery. The selection of the strategic investors covered a period of three (3) months in 2019 which goes to show that the selected company is fit for the job.
In view of the economic significance of bauxite, this project is likely to bring about the needed results and thereby bring about the desired economic impact for the country. bauxite is valuable because it is used in a lot of industries. An example is the chemical industry. It helps in refractory, abrasive cement, steel, and petrol industry among others. Similarly, it is used in the manufacturing of Aluminium chemicals. Again, in refractory it is used as a raw material for making several products.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF BAUXITE
In view of the economic importance of bauxite, the refinery for bauxite reflects the determination of the leadership of the country to generate adequate income and establish Ghana as an example for the rest of Africa to follow. This is because we cannot continuously depend on raw materials for export, knowing that it is only through an Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI) that the country can advance economically to where it wants to be, rubbing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of active business players in the world.
It is common knowledge that raw minerals have been extracted or mined from prehistoric times. Indeed, the histories of civilisation, as well as industrial growth and advancement, have been linked with the ability of man to harness and use the materials available to him.
As a result of knowledge and technological innovation, there has been a continuous evolution and expansion in the minerals we consume and use in producing goods and services. Countries that can make use of technology and undertake safe mining have helped in sustainable development while those that are unable to do so live in abject poverty during plenty.
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
It is well known that countries that use appropriate technology to mine their minerals can generate more revenue and make life better for their citizens. Many countries in Africa are sitting on great wealth but are wallowing in poverty because of their inability to tap them and maximise their use in a safe and sustainable manner.
The point must be made that adequate supplies of minerals are very essential for manufacturing and construction. They are also essential for energy requirements as well as the agricultural sector for which reason we need to embark on sustainable development of a modern economy. Overall, the use of renewable energy sources, recycled materials and industrial by-products can be maximised to meet the needs of generations in countries while efforts are made to reduce waste.
Generally, minerals are essential for economic development in many ways. They help in construction to develop, maintain, and enhance our built environment and transport infrastructure. They also help in manufacturing to produce a wide range of industrial and consumer goods.
What is more, they help in transportation and electricity generation for use in the home, industry, commerce, and business transactions. Again, they are useful in agriculture and help to improve the productivity of the soil if the mining is carried out responsibly for sustainable development.
GHANA INTEGRATED ALUMINIUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation has an enormous task that ought to be comprehensively and effectively implemented for the realisation of the development goals of our dear nation. It has been stated that there will be a project at Nyinahin-Mpasaaso and this will lead to the production of five (5) million tonnes of bauxite per annum with the capacity to create over one thousand (1000) direct jobs. Indirect jobs such as food and water services as well as clothing and textile products will even be far higher and that it is anticipated that mining operations, after preliminary works and studies is likely to commence within the next 24 hours.
A small country like the United Kingdom and many others have adequate supply of minerals which they utilise for their respective economic development. They can maximise its use through refinery activities, and, therefore, generally, they are richer than African countries.
Ghana’s decision to setup a refinery for its bauxite deposits is, therefore, a step in the right direction. When rigidly implemented to the letter, the country will soon move up and join the wealthy nations in Africa and the world.
Contact email/whatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
BY DR. AMPONSAH-BEDIAKO
Having initiated programs to ensure a foundation of morality, the next step is to have a picture of what success looks like. I keep saying that if you do not have a destination in mind when travelling, you can never arrive.
We therefore as a people, need to set up a development plan which all parties shall ascribe to so that no matter which party is in government, the execution of the plan will not be derailed.
This is the only way that we can make a headway in our developmental agenda. Once we have a plan we are following, it becomes a guiding tool to arrive at the destination we have set for ourselves. It becomes a project that given the necessary key milestones, will help us in monitoring progress.
The next step is to focus on pillars of development i.e. education, health, agriculture and the economy.
The common characteristic of developed countries is the level of education of its citizens.
A highly educated population provides readily available human resource for industrial growth.
A highly qualified population has the potential to innovate, creating value added products for export.
A healthy population is necessary for development. Proactive measures that can prevent epidemics for instance, must be put in place to ensure a healthy populace.
This would require a deliberate investment in health infrastructure as well as training of professionals in the health sector.
Food must be available and must also be affordable and there policies that can ensure the achievement of this objective must be vigorously pursued.
Agro-processing must be prioritised if not completely eliminate post harvest losses and also provide goods for export as part of the effort to stabilize currency.
The power of a nation depends largely on its economic growth. The reason why countries like the US and China wield a lot of influence in the world is because of their wealth.
The way out of poverty as a country, is to industrialise. We need to focus on deliberate effort to promote indigenous control over our natural resources so as to reduce repatriation of huge foreign currency out of the country.
Such initiatives will provide or make available funds for entrepreneurs to access for industrialisation. If we do not prioritise industrialisation, we will permanently not enjoy real independence as a nation because we will have to depend on them to assist in funds for our budget deficit.
Whoever controls how you run your budget literary controls you and therefore the countries who provide budgetary support, controls us. We need to get out of this situation so we can be truly.
The industrialisation cannot be established without companying infrastructure and therefore infrastructure development must be taken seriously into account.
Local expertise must be sought in the infrastructural development. The use of local expertise will help create jobs for the teeming youth the universities churn out every year.
I hope to complete this series next weekend. God bless.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
AS the world becomes increasingly complex, the role of a president has become more demanding than ever.
The pressure to make life-altering decisions, manage crises, and maintain a sense of calm and composure can take a toll on a president’s mental health.
In recent years, innovative approaches like emotional surgery and emotional elysium have gained attention for their potential to support leaders in managing stress and promoting emotional well-being.
Understanding emotional surgery
Emotional surgery is a groundbreaking approach that utilises art to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
This technique involves the use of colors, geometric shapes, and abstract objects to communicate with the brain and induce a state of calmness.
By leveraging the brain’s ability to process visual information, emotional surgery can help individuals manage anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of calmness and well-being.
The benefits of emotional elysium
Emotional elysium refers to practices that promote emotional well-being and resilience.
This approach focuses on cultivating positive emotions such as gratitude, compassion, and love, to improve overall well-being.
For presidents, emotional elysium can be particularly beneficial in managing the stresses of office and promoting emotional balance.
By incorporating emotional elysium practices into their daily routine, presidents can improve their emotional regulation, increase their resilience, and enhance their overall well-being.
The impact on presidential performance
Both emotional surgery and emotional elysium have the potential to significantly impact a president’s performance.
By managing stress and promoting emotional well-being, presidents can:
- Improve decision-making: Emotional surgery and emotional elysium help presidents make more informed, rational decisions, rather than reacting impulsively to stress or emotions.
- Enhance leadership: Leaders who prioritise emotional well-being are better equipped to build strong relationships with their team and the public.
- Increase resilience: Emotional elysium practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, build resilience, enabling presidents to cope better with challenges and setbacks.
Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa’s endorsement
Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, a respected figure in the medical field, has endorsed emotional surgery as a valuable tool for promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
According to him, emotional surgery can reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, emotional surgery and emotional elysium are two innovative approaches that have the potential to significantly impact a president’s performance.
By prioritising emotional well-being and exploring these approaches, presidents can improve decision-making, enhance leadership, and increase resilience.
As global challenges become more complex, it is essential for presidents to safeguard their mental health — and these techniques offer a promising solution.
Recommendations
- Presidents should prioritise their emotional well-being: Recognising the importance of emotional balance allows leaders to manage stress effectively.
- Emotional surgery and emotional elysium should be considered: These approaches may offer promising solutions for high-end executives whose emotional well-being affects their performance.
By embracing emotional well-being and exploring innovative interventions, presidents can optimise performance, build stronger relationships, and promote overall well-being.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
