President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
A Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Immorndo Osman says the bauxite refinery by government is a step in the right direction as it will provide employment for the youth.
However, he said the youth will only benefit if employment in the refinery will not favour only New Patriotic Party (NPP) sympathisers but also that of the NDC.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Tuesday launched Ghana’s Integrated Aluminum Industry projects that would drive the full commercial but environmentally friendly exploitation of the country’s bauxite reserves.
This will serve as the key pillar for the national strategy for industrialisation.
The projects, estimated to require some six billion dollars to execute, will be one of the most audacious projects since Ghana’s independence.
They would largely be driven by private investors in partnership with the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation (GIADEC).
It will be implemented in four phases, with the first phase involving the expansion of the existing mine at Awaso in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal district of the Western North Region, and the building of a bauxite refinery.
The second phase will see the development of a mine and a refinery solution at Nyinahin-Mpasaaso in the Atwimaa Mponua District in the Ashanti Region.
The third phase will also see the development of a mine in Kyebi in the East Akim Municipal District of the Eastern Region and a second mine at Nyinahin-Mpasaaso.
A refinery will also be built in the Atwimaa Mponua District in the Ashanti Region and Kyebi, respectively.
In the fourth phase of the projects, the VALCO smelter will be modernised and expanded to improve efficiency and increase capacity.
Speaking on Atinka TV’s morning show, Ghana Nie, with Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Chief Immorndo Osman alleged that one NPP Regional Chairman in the Northern Region said some time ago that they were only going to employ NPP members, hence his caution.
“If government is coming to open it for the youth to get jobs, then it is good. Because most of the youth are not getting jobs and so if this is going to work and give job opportunities to the youth regardless of political affiliation, then it is alright.
The Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma North constituency, Mr. Justice Joe Appiah Also lauded the President for the initiative, saying that the bauxite refinery will create wealth for everyone in the country.
He urged those in charge of the refinery to work hard so that the President’s vision materializes.
“Let us pray, whether NDC or NPP so that it stands. it is a national affair. Everyone should help with their brains and it will help the country and all of us,” he added.