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
In every society, there are people who do things their own way, regardless of what others think. Take the man who, by good fortune, acquired a beautiful Benz bus. Rather than becoming a bossy transport owner demanding daily accounts, he chose a different path. He hired a driver—but no driver’s mate. He became the mate himself. The bold inscription on the back of the bus reads: “MAN NO FOOL.”
He’s no fool, having long observed how drivers and mates conspire with daily accounts. He’s far above such tricks.
Domestic Pragmatism
Then there’s the married man enforcing his own version of the division of labor. One morning, he decreed he would handle all daily market shopping because he suspected his wife was “tearing chobo.” Earlier, he had claimed the kitchen ladle as his own, citing dissatisfaction with the portion sizes compared to his “chop-money” contributions.
From that day, he became the chief cook, while his wife became the steward. When the soup was ready, she would call him to allocate the meat. He called it “domestic pragmatism.”
The Dancing Kiosk
Consider a couple who ran a kiosk and, to protect their goods from theft, chose to sleep there each night. Last week, during heavy rains, they were asleep when the downpour started. Both began dreaming they were dancing at a jamboree—an uncanny simultaneous dream.
When they awoke, reality hit: their kiosk was afloat, doing a Michael Jackson-style dance in the floodwaters. They were lucky to survive. Others were not so fortunate.
That Tuesday, 24 residents of Accra lost their lives in the heaviest rains in 59 years. Property was destroyed, animals drowned, and the city experienced its worst traffic jams ever.
Floods and “Neck Insurance”
During the rains, waist-deep waters forced residents to become human transport, carrying others for a fee. I was spared, though I imagined my weight would have made “neck insurance” a must!
The aftermath left offices soaked, radios swimming on carpets, and workers struggling to salvage belongings. My office radio survived after drying, perhaps imbued with some holy-ghost luck—it seemed to walk on water.
A Call for Action
Mr. Nat Nunoo-Amarteifio, AMA boss, later appeared on the air to explain the floods, citing rising sea and lagoon levels. While informative, action is key. Years of warnings by veteran journalist Tom Dorkenoo—a man of prophetic environmental insight—have highlighted Accra’s vulnerability to floods. Two years ago, he outlined the risks, and the warnings proved accurate.
It is not enough for authorities to merely announce intentions to address drainage issues or unauthorized buildings. They must act decisively to prevent recurring disasters. Floods, property losses, and fatalities are preventable with proactive planning and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
The Lesson
The saga of the dancing kiosk reminds us of human resilience, absurdity, and tragedy. While humor can lighten the story, the underlying message is serious: Accra’s flood challenges require urgent, sustained action.
Let us hope future rainy seasons bring fewer dancing kiosks and more effective city planning.
By Merari Alomele
Spectator
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Starvation is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including food availability, economic stability, and government policies. Understanding the mathematics of starvation involves analyzing calorie requirements, food distribution, and nutritional needs to ensure individuals receive sufficient sustenance for survival and health.
Calculating Nutritional Needs
To understand the scale of starvation, it is crucial to determine the daily caloric requirements of individuals based on age, sex, weight, and activity levels. For example, populations like that of the Gaza Strip require a specific number of calories per person per day to prevent malnutrition and starvation.
Food Distribution and Availability
Equally important is assessing food distribution and availability. This includes calculating the total food needed to meet nutritional requirements and ensuring it reaches those in need. In Gaza, Israel controls food inflow and determines the number of calories Palestinians require. However, the actual amount of food allowed into the territory often falls far below minimum nutritional needs.
Consequences of Inadequate Food Supply
Inadequate food supply leads to severe consequences such as malnutrition, starvation, and death. For instance, between March and June, Israel allowed only 56,000 tonnes of food into Gaza—less than a quarter of the territory’s minimum needs during that period.
Global Perspective
Starvation is not unique to Gaza. Millions worldwide face food insecurity due to conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Understanding the mathematics of starvation enables policymakers and humanitarian organizations to devise strategies that target the root causes of hunger effectively.
Key Factors Contributing to Starvation
- Poverty: Lack of resources limits access to sufficient food.
- Conflict: Wars disrupt food production and distribution networks.
- Climate Change: Extreme weather reduces agricultural yields.
- Economic Instability: Market fluctuations hinder access to food.
Addressing Starvation
Combating starvation requires addressing its underlying causes:
- Food Aid: Provide sufficient, targeted food assistance to those in need.
- Economic Support: Promote economic stability to improve access to food.
- Conflict Resolution: Resolve conflicts to restore production and distribution networks.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Adopt sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security.
In conclusion, the mathematics of starvation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to food insecurity. By understanding nutritional needs, calculating food distribution, and tackling the root causes, societies can work towards a future where hunger is no longer a daily threat.
BY ROBERT EKOW GRIMMOND-THOMPON
Spectator
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