The recent attack on Electrochem Ghana Ltd has received condemnation from some quarters with the latest coming from Ada Traditional Council.

Mankralo for the Council, Nene Agudey Obichere (III) said acts of vandalism and lawlessness at the Songor salt mine must not be countenanced.

The council fears the attack could dent the country’s efforts to build a friendly business environment.  

Nene Agudey Obichere (III) was reading a statement on behalf of the council after visiting Electrochem Ghana Ltd at Sege in the Ada West district.

“These actions of members of NDC and Ada Songor Lagoon Association tend to send wrong signals to the business community and potential investors that lawlessness and impunity will be part of the business climate and culture in the Ada Traditional Area.”

“The investment required to maximize salt production to 2 million metric tons and 5 million metric tons in the short and long run respectively may not be realized as well as anticipated billions of dollars in earnings,” he warned.

The fear is borne out of alleged threats and inciting of the community before the elections in 2024 and the subsequent victory of the NDC.

“Dissemination of propaganda and incitement led to the attack last week disrupting the activities of the company destroying and looting its assets,” he added.

Nene Agudey Obichere (III) said that despite the negative image of Electrochem in the area, the company has the community at heart and must be commended.

“The company has offered 2,000 acres of land for the construction of brine reserves and crystalizing pans for the local community against 647 acres by the master plan”

Nene Agudey made it quite clear that Electrochem has a 15-year lease agreement as ratified by parliament. It remains criminal for anyone to hide behind a political party, group, or social and traditional media to create a hostile environment for the company drawing in MP for the area.

He denied claims the salt mining company has been desecrating cemetery and cultural spaces.

“Its activities have rather facilitated refilling of the lagoon with water which then flowed into a sacred place known as “Yomo” (deity) leading to crystalizing salt for the first time in many years for our people”

The Ada Traditional Council assured the people of its willing stand against any illegitimacy in the management of Songor.

 Electrochem Ghana Ltd shared that as part of its corporate social responsibility, it has given out 10 million cedis in interest-free loans, and built Astroturf among other things.

For the company, it is early days yet to put a cost to the stolen and damaged items as it continues to assess the impact.

Perpetrators behind the attack made away with jungle motorbikes, 10 pumps, car tyres, water tanks, mattresses, destroyed some CCTV cameras, and smashed windscreens of cars among a list of other valuables.

Operations Manager for Electrochem Ghana Ltd, Nene Siada Odeopeor has described the incident as unfortunate and believes the law will take its course.

“No arrest made so far but footage from CCTV cameras available shows faces of known individuals. We’re collaborating with the police to ensure culprits are brought to book.

"We’ve even complied with a directive from parliament and Minerals Commission to make available 2,000 acres for other interested persons to mine salt,” he said.

“The incident was a setback but has not stopped us from working. The police personnel are patrolling the concession to provide security as done always which we’re very grateful for,” Nene Siada said.

He asked the Minerals Commission to help educate the people on the lease and why salt is considered a mineral.