Residents of Nyinahin in the Atwima Mponua District, Ashanti Region, have made a passionate appeal to Parliament to prioritize the ratification of the Ashanti Bauxite Limited (ABL) Mining Lease, as lawmakers prepare to convene for an emergency session.
The community, particularly its youth, believes the lease’s ratification is crucial to realizing the area’s untapped economic potential through the development of a bauxite mine and refinery.
The residents, led by spokesperson Dr. Peter Twum, organized a peaceful demonstration, marching through Nyinahin’s streets with placards displaying messages like “Ratify ABL Mining Lease to Empower Our Communities” and “Our Bauxite, Our Future.”
Dr. Twum emphasized that this project could address critical infrastructure gaps, improve local amenities, and provide significant job opportunities for the area’s youth, reducing high unemployment rates.
He warned that any opposition to the ratification would be viewed as a setback to community progress.
Dr. Twum also highlighted the economic impact already seen during Rocksure International’s Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) phase, which created over 100 direct and indirect jobs for local artisans, market vendors, and other residents.
He expressed hope that the ratification would unlock even more substantial economic benefits for the area.
The ABL Mining Lease is part of a broader initiative led by the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and its Ghanaian partner, Rocksure International.
Their collaboration aims to build a bauxite mine and establish a refinery in Nyinahin-Mpasaaso, transforming the region’s economic landscape.
This venture, initiated in 2021, has received high-profile endorsements, including those from President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The lease agreement was signed after thorough evaluation and approved by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
Now, Parliament’s ratification remains the final step required under Ghanaian law before operations can commence.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has referred the agreement to the Lands and Forestry Committee for review, with Parliament expected to reconvene on September 3, 2024, to deliberate on the committee’s report.
In addition to Nyinahin residents, several local civil society groups, including the Market Women Association, Beauticians and Hairdressers Association, and Atwima Mponua Nkoso, are backing the call for ratification, recognizing the project’s potential to drive regional growth.
