By Emmanuel Sowah
The Western North Regional Minister, Willbert Petty Brentum, has embarked on a working visit to two major mining firms—Chirano Gold Mines Limited and Awaso Bauxite Company Limited—in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality to acquaint himself with their operations, challenges, and future development plans.
At Chirano Gold Mines, General Manager Mr. Stephen Asante Yamoah briefed the Minister on the company’s activities. He noted that the company operates a 70-square-kilometer concession, with an additional 500 square kilometers under active prospecting.
Mr. Yamoah highlighted that Chirano is currently the only large-scale gold mining company in Ghana with significant Ghanaian ownership, employing mostly Ghanaian workers. A few African expatriates provide specialized expertise in underground equipment operations.
The mine employs both open-pit and underground mining methods within the Sefwi gold belt, one of Ghana’s four key mineral-rich zones.
Mr. Yamoah, however, expressed concern over illegal mining activities in surrounding communities, which he said threaten the safety and success of their operations. He assured the Minister that the company is collaborating with national security agencies to curb the menace.
On the issue of corporate social responsibility (CSR), he outlined a range of initiatives, including the construction of schools, provision of mechanized boreholes, scholarship programs, and sponsorship of the Bibiani Gold Stars, a Ghana Premier League club. The company also emphasizes local recruitment and currently boasts a 9% female workforce, promoting gender inclusion.
At Awaso Bauxite Company Limited, General Manager Mr. Alex Gyedu welcomed the Minister and shared insights into the company’s operations. He noted that Awaso is 100% Ghanaian-owned and employs 1,350 Ghanaians, including national service personnel, who receive twice the standard allowance.
Mr. Gyedu emphasized the company’s CSR contributions, such as the drilling of boreholes, support to municipal assemblies, and educational scholarships.
He also announced plans to build a bauxite refinery in Awaso, for which the company is currently seeking 2,500 to 3,000 square kilometers of land. He assured that land valuation is ongoing and compensation for affected farmers will be done in consultation with the Valuation Board.
Mr.Brentum commended both companies for their economic and social contributions. He expressed surprise and satisfaction at Chirano’s high level of Ghanaian ownership and employment and encouraged the management to be more proactive in publicizing their CSR activities.
“Ghana cannot do away with mining, but it must be done responsibly,” the Minister stated, emphasizing the need for environmental stewardship.
He also praised Awaso Bauxite Company for its expansion from 480 to 1,350 workers and its exclusively Ghanaian workforce. The Minister called for strong community engagement and described Awaso’s bauxite as “one of the best in the world,” urging greater government support for its global promotion.
Regarding the proposed refinery project, he acknowledged the concerns of local farmers but clarified that under Ghanaian law, all minerals belong to the state, though surface right owners must be compensated. He assured the public that with proper stakeholder engagement, tensions can be resolved to ensure the project’s success and its expected contribution to job creation and regional development.
