Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, CEO, GIADEC and Kweku Sarfo-Buabeng, Board Chair, GIADEC
The Chief of Nyinahin in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, Nana Dr. Amanpene Boateng Twum II, has added his voice to the growing national conversation on local participation in the Nyinahin Bauxite exploration.
He is strongly advocating for indigenous companies with proven capacity to be given priority in major mining contracts, rather than defaulting to foreign firms.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Peacefmonline, the former board member of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) stressed the need for fairness in the award of contracts.
His comments follow recent criticism directed at the CEO of GIADEC, Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah and the board of GIADEC over allegations that foreign firms are being favoured in bauxite contracts at the expense of qualified Ghanaian companies.
According to him, Ghanaian-owned companies that meet all technical and financial requirements should not be sidelined.
He was, however, quick to add that competence must remain the key consideration. In his view, local participation should not come at the expense of quality or efficiency.
“If a Ghanaian company has the capacity, it deserves the opportunity,” he indicated.
Nana Dr. Amanpene Boateng Twum II believes that prioritising capable indigenous firms will ultimately benefit the country economically.
He explained that when foreign companies dominate the sector, a significant portion of the profits leaves the country.
He supported his argument pointing to the example of the Ghana Bauxite Company at Awaso in the Western North Region, describing its journey as successful.
The company, which is largely Ghanaian-owned, currently operates the country’s only active bauxite mine.
According to him, the story has changed significantly since local ownership took over from a foreign company who were running at a loss.
He added that the previous foreign operators struggled and recorded losses during their tenure.
In contrast, the current operators have demonstrated efficiency and progress.
He noted that more local youth have been employed in various areas including site operations, security, transportation and administrative work.
Beyond employment, the chief said the company has also shown commitment towards improving community relations and supporting local development, giving residents confidence that indigenous firms can successfully manage such major projects while ensuring that the benefits are felt directly by the people.
The Nyinahin bauxite deposit itself remains a critical part of Ghana’s long-term industrial ambitions. Located in the Ashanti Region, it is the largest known bauxite reserve in the country.
Although discovered many years ago, the area saw little development due to infrastructure and investment constraints.
Over time, however, extensive geological work confirmed the presence of vast, high-quality deposits. These reserves are estimated to run into one billion of tonnes.
This makes Nyinahin a major asset in Ghana’s quest to build a strong aluminium industry.
A significant turning point came in 2018 with the establishment of GIADEC, which was tasked with developing an integrated aluminium industry in Ghana.
Since then, Nyinahin has been placed at the centre of that vision. The deposit has been divided into various blocks to allow for phased development.
Exploration work in recent years has further confirmed its commercial viability. This, stakeholders believe, will create jobs and add more value to the resource.
The debate around local participation has also drawn attention from the highest levels of government.
President John Dramani Mahama has consistently highlighted the importance of strengthening indigenous businesses.
He has argued that Ghana must focus on improving its Gross National Product by empowering its own citizens.
In sectors like mining, this approach is seen as crucial for sustainable economic growth.
Industry sources allege that the leadership of GIADEC is actively steering the allocation of all the three blocks of Nyinahin bauxite toward expatriate companies, sidelining Ghanaian firms with proven capacity.
Critics argue that such actions, if true, not only undermine confidence in the system but also contradict the broader national agenda of empowering indigenous businesses.
For many observers, the situation raises deeper concerns about whether the country is fully committed to supporting its own companies in strategic sectors.
By contrast, local companies are more likely to reinvest their earnings within Ghana.
Historically, bauxite mining in Ghana dates back to 1921 when the mineral was first discovered in Awaso.
Commercial production began in the 1940s, establishing the area as a key mining hub.
Today, Awaso continues to produce high-quality bauxite for export.
About 1.2 million tonnes are shipped annually through the Takoradi Port.
The mine is known for its high alumina content and relatively low silica levels. Currently, Ghana Bauxite Company operates as a joint venture.
Eighty percent is owned by Ofori-Poku Company Limited, with the Government of Ghana holding the remaining 20 percent stake. The government’s interest is managed through GIADEC.
A Daily Guide Report