One of the trucks on site
Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) has set an ambitious target of producing 6 million tonnes of bauxite by the end of 2025.
To achieve this goal, the company has invested a substantial amount of US$122.97 million in upgrading its infrastructure and operational efficiencies.
This significant investment has enabled GBC to acquire a robust fleet of equipment, including surface miners, haulage trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and retooling of existing plant and machinery.
Speaking at a press briefing at Awaso in the Western North Region, General Manager of GBC, Alexander Gyedu, said the company’s production volumes have already seen a significant boost. The use of both surface mining and drill and blast methods have increased production from 1.3 million tonnes per annum to about 1.8 million tonnes in 2024.
Mr. Gyedu attributed this production milestone to Ofori-Poku Company Limited’s (OPCL) takeover from Bosai Group in 2022.
OPCL’s acquisition of GBC has brought about significant changes, including the replacement of old and dilapidated equipment.
As of February 2025, OPCL had acquired 42 new earth-moving equipment, 52 new dump trucks, 16 new utilities, one surface miner, and 35 new light-duty vehicles, among others. The company is expecting the delivery of a second surface miner by the end of June 2025.
The Haulage Department has also seen significant improvements, with OPCL adding 161 fleet of 9-axle trucks since taking over in 2022.
This has led to a substantial increase in haulage operations, from around 600,000 tonnes in 2022 to about 1.7 million tonnes of bauxite in 2024.
As GBC works towards achieving its production target of 6 million tonnes by the end of 2025, the company remains committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. The acquisition of new equipment and technology is expected to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.
GBC’s plans to expand its operations and increase production are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
The company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmentally responsible mining practices is a testament to its dedication to sustainable development.
GBC’s Success Journey
In 2022, Isaac Ofori Poku (IOP), a visionary Ghanaian businessman, acquired approximately 80% shares of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited at Awaso in the Western North Region, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s mining industry.
This acquisition transferred majority ownership of the company to a local entity, paving the way for a new era of success.
Under IOP’s leadership, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has undergone a remarkable transformation. One of the major visions of Mr. Ofori Poku was to reduce the unemployment rate in the catchment areas and Ghana at large.
True to his word, the company has increased its contract staff strength from 465 to 1,061 employees, with 976 males and 85 females. This significant increase in employment opportunities has had a positive impact on the local economy.
In addition to creating jobs, IOP has also invested heavily in acquiring new and sophisticated equipment to boost production. The company has acquired 56 new equipment and 198 new trucks, including Sino trucks, RDT trucks, TX 400 dump trucks, and Howo 371 trucks. This significant investment has enabled the company to increase its production capacity and export more bauxite ore.
The results are impressive. In 2024, Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, Awaso exported a record 1.8 million metric tonnes of bauxite ore to China and other parts of the world. This achievement is unprecedented in the history of the company and a testament to IOP’s vision and leadership.
The success of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited under IOP’s leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved when local businesses are given the opportunity to thrive. With a dynamic and energetic management team, supported by a committed workforce, the company is poised for even greater success in the future.
A Daily Guide Report