Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has expressed strong disapproval of a joint committee’s report on the Electrochem-Ada salt mining conflict, deeming it inadequate and incomplete. The committee, comprising members from the Energy and Lands sectors, was tasked to investigate concerns raised by the indigenes of Ada, regarding alleged abuses and breaches of the lease agreement by Electrochem Ghana Limited.
While the report suggested educating locals on mineral leases and upholding the existing lease, Speaker Bagbin criticized the committee’s work, pointing out significant omissions and lack of thoroughness. He has consequently ordered a new probe into the matter.
Speaker Alban Bagbin identified key areas that required further investigation, including the legitimacy of the additional lease agreements for Ada West and East, which encompass a total of 140 acres. He also emphasized the need to examine the applicability and implications of PNDC Law 287 on Electrochem Ghana Limited’s leases and future operations in the lagoon.
The Speaker instructed that the matter of compensation for affected parties be addressed through additional stakeholder engagements, ensuring all concerned parties are adequately consulted and represented in the process.
He tasked new committees to conduct a fresh investigation into the matter. This directive comes after Tamale North MP Alhassan Suhuyini and Odododiodoo MP Nii Lante Vanderpuye expressed their opposition to the initial report.
However, Asawase MP Muntaka Mubarak and Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh argued in favor of the report, cautioning Parliament against rushing to judgment and calling for a more measured approach in dealing with Electrochem Ghana Limited. They urged their colleagues to exercise restraint and avoid hasty actions that could be perceived as an attempt to “crucify” the company.