The Member of Parliament for Ada Constituency, Comfort Doyoe Ghansah, has urged residents of Ada, who are dissatisfied with the operations of Electrochem Ghana Limited, to remain calm following the recent disturbances in the area.

She assured the community that President John Dramani Mahama would address the issues surrounding the Songor Lagoon in due course.

Tensions escalated on Thursday, January 9, 2025, when a group of residents, mostly artisanal salt miners, allegedly stormed Electrochem Ghana Limited’s premises and vandalised property worth millions of Ghana cedis. The residents claim that the company has deprived them of their livelihoods by confiscating tools used in artisanal salt mining in the lagoon. The Ghana Police Service responded by arresting several individuals involved in the incident, further increasing tensions as residents demanded their release.

In response to the growing unrest, MP Comfort Doyoe Ghansah, acting on the instructions of President Mahama, toured several communities within the Ada Constituency on Saturday, January 11, 2025. She also visited three local radio stations – Radio Ada, Okorley FM, and Eagle FM – to advocate for peace.

Speaking to the press after her tour, Ghansah said, “Three days ago, there was a misunderstanding between the community members and Electrochem, which escalated into a riot. His Excellency President John Mahama has asked for peace. He will address the issues regarding the Songor Lagoon in due course, so I’ve been sent to calm tensions.”

The MP expressed confidence in her peace campaign, noting that the message would resonate well with the community, as the radio stations are the primary sources of information for locals. She assured residents that President Mahama was ready to intervene once he had fully settled into office.

Ghansah urged both parties to remain calm, stating, “The residents’ main concern is for President Mahama to address the Songor-Electrochem issues. He has arrived, and they should allow him time to settle the matter. It is a solvable issue, and we will find a resolution that benefits everyone.”

Regarding the arrests, the MP confirmed that all individuals detained for damaging property at Electrochem had been released. “I have confirmed with the divisional commander and the Tema regional commander that no one is currently in custody. Everyone should remain calm, as President Mahama will resolve the issue.”

Some residents expressed hope that the new administration would ensure a balanced resolution that benefits both Electrochem Ghana Limited and the local community. Kabuki Ohui Akplie, a trader at Ada Junction, praised the MP’s leadership, saying, “Our MP must be commended. Even though she is busy in Parliament, she made the effort to come here and preach peace. We admire her leadership.”

The Ada Traditional Authority is expected to release a statement regarding the situation soon.