The Chief of Nyinahin, Nana Dr. Amanpene Boateng Twum II, has called for indigenous Ghanaian companies to be given priority in the awarding of contracts for the country’s largest bauxite reserves.
He urged policymakers to ensure that local firms are granted a fair opportunity to participate in the mining of the Nyinahin deposit, provided they meet the required technical and financial standards. A former board member of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation, the chief stressed that competence should remain central, but local ownership must not be overlooked.
His remarks come at a time of growing scrutiny over GIADEC’s leadership, with some industry players alleging that expatriate companies are being favored in the allocation of the three main mining blocks at Nyinahin. Observers fear that this could sideline capable Ghanaian firms.
“If a Ghanaian company has the capacity, it deserves the opportunity,” he said, noting that prioritizing local participation would help retain profits within the country and support long-term economic development. He argued that foreign-dominated mining operations often lead to capital flight, whereas indigenous firms are more likely to reinvest in local communities and create sustainable jobs.
To support his position, Nana Twum II pointed to the transformation of the Ghana Bauxite Company in Awaso. According to him, the mine struggled under previous foreign management but has seen improved efficiency and profitability since Ofori-Poku Company Limited acquired an 80 percent stake, with the government retaining 20 percent.
He added that the shift to local ownership has also led to increased employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth and stronger community relations.
The Nyinahin bauxite deposit is considered a key component of Ghana’s industrialisation agenda, with estimated reserves of about one billion tonnes. Although known for decades, development has been delayed largely due to infrastructure challenges. The establishment of GIADEC in 2018 was intended to drive the creation of an integrated aluminium industry, with the deposit now divided into blocks for phased development.
The issue has also sparked broader discussions about economic policy, including the balance between Gross Domestic Product and Gross National Product. Former President John Dramani Mahama has consistently advocated for policies that promote local ownership of production, arguing that true economic growth should reflect wealth retained within the country.
As GIADEC moves toward finalising contracts for the Nyinahin project, traditional leaders and community members say they will continue to monitor the process closely to ensure that commitments to prioritise Ghanaian participation are upheld.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
