Daniel McKorley, founder of Electrochem Ghana Limited
The Senior Vice President of policy think tank Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil, has urged the Mahama-led government to invest in Electrochem Ghana Limited – a fully Ghanaian-owned salt production company founded by business mogul Daniel McKorley.
In a statement published on his website, Bentil underscored Electrochem’s significant contribution to Ghana’s GDP and its impact on job creation for the youth in Ada.
He commended Electrochem for its transformation of the Songhor Lagoon into a multi-million-dollar salt production hub – the largest of its kind in the Greater Accra Region.
“With an investment exceeding $88 million, the project currently produces 650,000 metric tonnes of salt annually, with plans to scale up to one million metric tonnes by 2024 and two million by 2027.
“Under the leadership of Mr. Daniel McKorley, Electrochem has not only rejuvenated the lagoon but has also generated over 3,000 jobs for the local community,” the statement noted.
Bentil has appealed to the government to invest in this wholly Ghanaian enterprise to accelerate industrialisation, optimise local resource utilisation, and expand employment opportunities for the youth.
“Electrochem’s Salt Revolution: A Ghanaian Triumph That Deserves National Support”
By Kofi Bentil, Imani.
After hearing numerous accounts about the Electrochem project, my colleagues and I at Imani took the initiative to personally engage with the management of Electrochem Ghana Limited. We visited the facilities and the surrounding area to assess the situation firsthand. What we discovered was nothing short of impressive.
Electrochem, a wholly Ghanaian-owned company under the McDan Group, has transformed the Songhor Lagoon into Africa’s largest industrial salt production site. With an investment exceeding $88 million, the project currently produces 650,000 metric tons of salt annually, with plans to increase this to one million metric tons by 2024 and two million by 2027.
This achievement is particularly remarkable considering the historical challenges faced in harnessing the potential of the Songhor Lagoon. Previous governments had attempted to develop the area for over five decades without success. Under the leadership of Mr. Daniel McKorley, Electrochem has not only revitalized the lagoon but also created over 3,000 jobs for the local community.
Furthermore, Electrochem has launched a 1,000-acre out-grower scheme, involving seven community groups, to promote sustainable salt mining practices and provide additional employment opportunities . The company has also constructed over 70 community salt pans at its own expense, facilitating traditional mining activities for local residents .
Despite these commendable efforts, Electrochem has faced unwarranted criticism and opposition. However, a recent investigation by The Fourth Estate revealed that many of the negative narratives were unfounded, with local miners regaining access to the lagoon and resuming their traditional activities without hindrance .
This project exemplifies the potential of indigenous entrepreneurship to drive national development. If this were a foreign investment, it would undoubtedly receive widespread acclaim. Instead, it is a testament to the vision and determination of a Ghanaian businessman who has not only revitalized a vital resource but also uplifted an entire community.
It is imperative that the government, local leaders, and all Ghanaians rally behind Electrochem and Mr. Dan McKorley. Their success is our success. Supporting this initiative will not only bolster our economy but also position Ghana as a leader in sustainable industrial salt production.
Let us unite in support of this remarkable project and ensure its continued success for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
For more information on Electrochem Ghana Limited and their initiatives, visit electrochemghana.com.