The Ada Traditional Council (ATC) has called on the government to take action against illegal salt miners in order to safeguard the Ada Songor Salt Project. The Council expressed concerns about the implications of these activities on the health of the Songor Lagoon, the viability of the project, and the socio-economic development of the area. Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III, the Paramount Chief of Ada Traditional Area, made the appeal during a meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra.
Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III, who is also the President of the ATC, informed President Akufo-Addo that since the government granted a license for commercial investment in the salt project, there has been progress in the development and commercial production of salt in the Songor concession. He thanked the President for his decision in granting the concession, which has led to the revival and improvement of the national salt industry.
However, Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III highlighted the need for state intervention to enhance the project. He stated that the activities of illegal salt miners pose a serious hindrance and threat to the project and called for the President’s support in curbing illegal salt mining. The chief emphasized that the harm caused by these illegal activities to the Songor Lagoon is extensive, and it is crucial to create an enabling environment for the project’s operations.
Nene Abram Kabu Akuaku III called on the Minerals Commission and related agencies to take necessary steps to remove illegal operators, stating that it should not solely be the responsibility of the company or the traditional leaders. He appealed to President Akufo-Addo to ensure swift action by the state security agencies to address the issue and enforce the law.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his satisfaction that the chiefs and people of Ada recognize the significant benefits of the Songor Lagoon salt project. He acknowledged that the project has the potential to make a substantial contribution to the country’s economic fortunes. The President assured the traditional council that he would address their request for state security for the project and emphasized the need to curb illegal salt mining to protect the environment.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo accepted an invitation by the chiefs to visit the project site and participate in the annual Asafotufiami festival of the area, scheduled for August 3, 2023.
