Western North Regional Minister assures Ghana Bauxite Company of support

The Western North Regional Minister, Hon Wilbert Petty Brentum, has assured the Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) of providing a serene environment for their operational activities.

The minister said the company at Awaso in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai municipality of the Western North region has demonstrated its commitment to promoting economic development in Ghana.

With this, Hon. Petty Brentum also assured the mining company that it would bring all the district assemblies in the region to oversee the overall development of the company.

Hon Wilbert Petty Brentum gave the assurance when, together with some members of the Western North Region Coordinating Council, paid a working visit to the mining firm.

The visit on Friday, May 30, 2025, forms part of the minister’s stakeholder engagement tour in the region, which includes communities, companies, and identifiable groups such as the Clergy, Clerics, and traditional leaders.

Support for indigenous businesses

Hon Petty Brentum, during the tour in the mining firm, was surprised that an indigenous businessman, Mr Isaac Ofori-Poku (IOP), who owns 80% majority shares, could thrive like that since taking over in 2022.

“What baffles me is that all the workers, totaling more than one thousand, are Ghanaians, no expatriates, and such a company must be given the needed support for expansion and, in default, creating jobs,” he said.

“By creating jobs, it stimulates economic growth and reduces reliance on foreign investment. With that, there is the need to provide a sound environment to GBC for their operational activities,” Hon Brentum Petty added.

Hon Petty Brentum stated that the success of GBC under IOP aligns with the government’s commitment to supporting private sector growth, particularly among indigenous businesses, to drive economic prosperity.

Environmental stewardship and CSR

He also urged the Ghana Bauxite Company Limited to go on with the corporate social responsibility agenda it has been doing to reaffirm the mutual friendship that exists between the company and the surrounding communities.

Hon Petty Brentum also commended GBC for adhering to environmental stewardship in their operations.

Plans for the bauxite refinery

General Manager of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, Alexander Gyedu, in his speech, said plans are far advanced for the establishment of the refinery for bauxite production at Awaso.

He noted the refinery will add value to the country’s natural resources.

Alexander Gyedu stated that about 3,000 square metres of land has been acquired, and the Land Commission has been contracted to evaluate the properties on the land for due compensation to be paid to landowners.

“By the end of June this year, the Land Commission with finish with their report, and hopefully the setting up of the refinery will commence in the next couple of months,” he added.

Success under IOP

“With a dynamic and energetic management team, supported by a committed workforce, the company is poised for even greater success in the future,” Mr. Gyedu said.

“The success of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited under IOP’s leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved when local businesses are allowed to thrive,” he emphasized.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah