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
THE state of feeling rejected, could be a terrifying experience especially for those who have become used to fame. If not properly addressed, it could lead to depression and the consequences, could be disastrous.
When you are on top of your game in whatever profession you find yourself such that you become famous, a lot of people try to associate with you. The phone never ceases to ring and one is tempted to feel loved and very important.
When a disaster strikes and the fame or the money which was the source of the attraction fades away, the circle of friends and fans begin to shrink and the phone will start to stop ringing until the call stops voting completely.
You will be shocked at how people you considered friends, will no longer be calling you or pay casual visits as they used to. You will begin to notice that messages you leave after calling them and not getting a response are not replied to and that is when you begin to know who your true friends are.
One of the most popular movie stars was an actress called Sharon Stone. In an interview with one of the media houses that was published, she spoke about how people who should have come around to encourage her in her moment of depression, shunned her. The calls stopped coming.
This is what the Bible admonishes that the arm of flesh will fail you and therefore we should put our trust in God. It could be a very frightening experience and can easily lead to depression.
Human nature being what it is, people will want to get close if things are okay. Everybody wants to associate themselves with interesting things, famous people, rich people etc for mainly selfish reasons.
We need to develop the habit of putting our trust in God and relying less on human beings. The lesson we have to take along in life is that, no one marries his or her enemy so how come people who took vows that they will love each other become so hostile to each other that they want to go their separate ways in life? Such is the reality of life.
It is therefore prudent for people to recognise that, life is full of uncertainties and so there is the need to prepare your mind for uncertainties so that when they occur, they do not disorganise your mental sanity.
A lot of people have experienced situations where people who they could have sworn will never betray their trust have disappointed them when they were through challenging moments.
If there is one thing famous people should desire, it should be the ability to identify who are true friends are. Countless stories abound regarding incidence of celebrities who have lost their shine and their wives divorcing them soon after.
It is sometimes useful as a famous or rich person to sign a prenuptial agreement before marriage to safeguard or protect yourself from any future unpleasant surprises.
People can be very pretentious these days, it goes both ways. There is this real life story where a man married a divorced wealthy woman and convinced her to sell her house so they could build a new one together, with the excuse that people are gossiping that he is being housed by a woman.
The woman agreed and they put up a new building. After a few years the man asked for a divorce, only for the woman to realise that the land on which the building was situated, was bought in the man’s name.
This can drive a person insane, if you are not mentally tough and this happens to you. When people hear that you are homeless, a lot of your so-called friends will stop calling, so that you do not become a burden on them.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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‘But, er …. I don’t even know your name’.
‘Paul. Paul Allotey. I’m Sarah, by the way. Paul, why don’t you leave me here, since this is the last important thing I’m doing today’.
‘Okay. Now Sarah. I was just thinking. You will be here at the cafe for about an hour. By then it will be about twelve thirty. Then, you would be thinking of buying yourself some lunch, to eat here or to take home. So if you would please allow me, I will take you to one of the nicest eating places in town, and after you have sorted that one out, then I can drop you home. Just that one errand, then I won’t bother you again’.
‘You are not bothering me at all. You are being very kind to me. And I just realised you are a mind reader too. The last item on my agenda was lunch’.
‘I’m so glad I appeared at your doorstep, just in time’.
‘Okay. Now Paul, since you say the cafe is a comfortable place, let’s go in together, and you can do your work while I get my application done’.
‘Okay, Sarah. Thanks. Let’s go’.
We got back in the car at eleven forty-five.
‘So where are we going, Paul?’
‘To Royalty restaurant. It’s a twenty minute drive away’.
‘So, do you enjoy your job?’
‘Most certainly. I won’t change it, not even to be President. And am I right to say that you are preparing to enter the university?’
‘That’s my plan. I hope it works’.
‘It will, if you are determined, and disciplined. You look very much like a disciplined person’.
‘Thank you very much’.
We arrived at Royalty in twenty-five minutes, ‘You are joining me for lunch, Paul’.
‘Thanks for the honour, Sarah. But the bill is on me’.
‘Aren’t you taking on too much for one day?’
‘I never do anything that is bigger than me, Sarah’.
Over the next hour and a half, we discussed fashion, local and international politics, and sports, as we ate and relaxed. Finally, he drove me to the shop.
‘I will never forget you, Paul’.
‘I’m glad to have been helpful. But if you don’t mind, I’ll say it again, your husband is extremely lucky. You are really beautiful’.
‘Thanks again. But do you mind if I call you sometime in the future?’
‘Certainly not. Let me write it here. I will not ask for your number, for obvious reasons. But I will be looking forward to hearing from you. And hopefully, I will see you next month, when I call to drop your bill’.
‘Okay Paul. See you then’. What a lovely day, I said to myself as I opened the front door. I closed the shop and got home by seven. I went straight to the bedroom, stood in the mirror and took a good look at myself. ‘You are a very beautiful woman, Sarah. Never forget that’. I will not forget that, again.
Over the next several weeks, Martin and I had very little to do with each other. In the morning he ate his breakfast and after a shabby ‘I’m going’, he left. He came home around eight at the earliest, ate his dinner and, already soaked in beer, went off to sleep.
He spent the greater part of the weekends at the club house with his friends, playing tennis and partying. My mind was focused on furthering my education, so I didn’t complain to him, and didn’t bother to inform my parents about what was happening. I had decided that I would only take action if he lifted his hand against me again. I spent my free time reading all manner of interesting stuff on the internet, and chatting with my sister on WhatsApp.
One evening, he came home at about eight, rushed to the bedroom and rushed out. An envelope, obviously containing money, dropped out of his pocket, and I picked it up and followed him. I was going to call him and give it to him, but I noticed that there was a young woman in the car, so I went back in, counted it and put it in a drawer in the hall. He came back after some ten minutes.
‘Excuse me, I dropped an envelope containing money. You must have seen it’.
‘Yes, I saw it. Actually, I followed you, and was about to call you and hand it over to you when I realised that there was a woman in the car, so I came back in. I counted it. One thousand cedis.
‘Well let me have it. I have to be going’.
‘I will let you have it if you will tell me who the woman in the car is, and why you are going to give her that amount of money’.
‘Listen, if you waste my time, I will teach you a lesson you will never forget. Give me the money now!’
‘Here’s what we will do, Martin. I know you will give money to her anyway, so I will give it to you, if you will withdraw the threat you just issued. But I want you to know that I will be taking some steps from tomorrow. Things are getting out of hand’.
‘Okay, I’m sorry I threatened you. Can you please give me the money’. I handed it over to him, and he ran out’.
The following morning, I waited for him to finish having breakfast, and told him I wanted to have a word with him urgently.
‘You better be quick. You know I’m going to work’.
‘Well, I want to inform you that I will inform my parents, and your parents, about the situation in this house. As I said yesterday, things are getting out of hand. You spend most of your time drinking. You get drunk every evening, and through the weekend. And you are also spending your time and money on a prostitute’.
‘How dare you? One more stupid word from you …’
‘Am I lying, Martin? You have just started life, yet you are behaving like a rich, elderly man who has already seen his children through university, and can afford a life of fun. As I said, I’m going to inform our parents. Maybe your parents can straighten you out before it is too late’.
‘Look, we can talk this evening. It’s nothing like what you are saying’. He walked away, shocked.
That evening, I was expecting to have a meaningful discussion with him, but his mother called early in the evening to offer me some ‘advice’. Her son had called to say that certain developments at home were disturbing him so much that they were beginning to affect his work.
And, ‘as a loving mother to her daughter’, she was advising me to submit to my husband, and support him in prayer, and not ‘drive him from home’. Men would always be men, and she was telling me ‘from experience’ that no matter how much time Martin stayed away from home, he would always come home to me.
She had been a young wife before, so she understood the challenges I was facing. So I could be assured that if I followed her advice, all would be well. And, of course, she didn’t allow me to tell my side of the story.
Martin came home very late, and very drunk. And from the next morning, he carried on as before. With some hesitation, I called my dad and told him all that had gone on.
‘Well, my daughter. I’m not going to say “I told you so”. I was only trying to protect you. So here’s what we’ll do. Continue doing the best you can, and try not to give him any excuse to harm you, but if things continue to deteriorate, I will take you back.
A couple of days later, my cousin Dinah arrived in Accra from Brussels, having completed her medical course. With Martin’s agreement, I went to Koforidua and spent a couple of days. I spent most of the time chatting about her experiences in the US, but we also discussed my relationship with Martin, and she endorsed Dad’s decision to take action if Martin’s behaviour did not change after two weeks Elaine informed Mom and Dad. We endorsed Dad’s decision to take action if there was no change in two weeks.
Dinah returned with me to Takoradi. Her plan was to spend a couple of weeks, and return to Accra to be posted. I called Paul Allotey, and asked if he would meet her for lunch and, if possible, show her some interesting spots. Delighted, he suggested that we meet at Royalty the next day.
I told Martin about it, to remove any possibility of future disagreement over ‘going out with men’.
‘It’s fine with me’, he said, ‘if, of all the people who could show your sister round this town, you chose a borla man. Doesn’t that indicate the kind of person you are?’
‘ First of all, Martin’, I’ve spoken to him a few times, and he comes across as a decent guy, so I think it is rather unfortunate that you are writing him off when you don’t know him’.
By Ekow de Heer
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