The Western North Regional Minister, Willbert Petty Brentum, has paid a working visit to two key mining companies operating in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality — Chirano Gold Mines Limited and Awaso Bauxite Company Limited — to familiarize himself with their operations and development plans.
At Chirano Gold Mines Limited, General Manager Stephen Asante Yamoah, briefed the Minister on the company’s operations. He disclosed that the company currently operates on a 70-square-kilometer concession with an additional 500 square kilometers under prospecting.
Mr. Yamoah highlighted that Chirano is the only large-scale gold mining company in Ghana with significant Ghanaian ownership. He added that nearly all employees are Ghanaians, with a few African expatriates offering specialized support in underground equipment operations.
The company employs both underground and open-pit mining methods and operates in the Sefwi gold belt — one of Ghana’s four major mining belts.
However, Mr. Yamoah raised concerns about illegal mining activities in nearby communities, which pose a threat to their operations. He noted that the company is working closely with national security agencies to address this issue.
On corporate social responsibility (CSR), Chirano Gold Mines has undertaken several community development projects, including the construction of schools, provision of mechanized boreholes, and scholarships for students.
The company also sponsors the Bibiani Gold Stars, a Premier League football club. Regarding employment, the company prioritizes recruitment from the Western North Region and currently maintains a 9% female workforce, promoting gender inclusion.
Ghana Bauxite Company Limited
At the Ghana Bauxite Company Limited at Awaso, General Manager, Alexander Gyadu emphasized that the company is 100% Ghanaian-owned and currently employs 1,350 Ghanaians, including national service personnel, who are paid twice the standard national service allowance.
He also highlighted the company’s CSR efforts, which include providing boreholes, supporting municipal assemblies, and offering scholarships to students.
Mr. Gyadu revealed plans to construct a bauxite processing refinery at Awaso, for which they are seeking 2,500 to 3,000 square kilometers of land. He assured that land valuation is ongoing, and affected farmers will be duly compensated following discussions with the Valuation Board.
Willbert Petty Bretum commended both companies for their contributions to regional development. He expressed surprise and satisfaction at Chirano’s high rate of Ghanaian ownership and employment and encouraged the company to be more vocal about its CSR initiatives so that local communities are well informed.
The Minister emphasized the importance of responsible mining that protects the environment, stating, “Ghana cannot do away with mining, but it must be done responsibly.”
He also praised Awaso Bauxite Company for its 100% Ghanaian workforce and its expansion from 480 to 1,350 employees. He urged the company to maintain strong community relations and described Awaso’s bauxite as one of the best in the world, recommending government support for its promotion.
Regarding the upcoming refinery project, he acknowledged tensions with local farmers and clarified that, by law, all minerals in Ghana belong to the state, but surface right owners must be compensated.
He assured stakeholders that with proper communication and compensation, conflicts can be avoided, and the project will contribute significantly to job creation and regional development.
By Emmanuel Sowah
