Ghana's Bauxite Giant Plans New Refinery for Boost in Operations and Profits

The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited located in Awaso within the Western North Region has declared intentions to construct a bauxite refinery, which represents an important step toward achieving greater value addition for the company.

The announcement was made by Alexander Gyedu, the Company’s General Manager, during the formal inauguration of the Community Relations Office by the company at Awaso.

Mr. Gyedu stated that the refinery will be essential for improving the company’s performance and supporting the economic development of Ghana.

It is anticipated that the refinery will convert raw bauxite into alumina, which is essential for manufacturing aluminum. This shift will enhance the company’s revenue streams and decrease its dependence on external refining facilities.

Through local refinement of bauxite, the Company can increase its earnings and provide more job openings for the people in the surrounding area.

In response, Western North Regional Minister Wilbert Petty Brentum commented that this initiative would enhance the company’s effectiveness as well as generate additional job prospects for the residents of Awaso and neighboring areas.

He stated that the government aims to back the initiative as part of its comprehensive strategy to establish a cohesive aluminum sector in Ghana.

Mr. Brentum mentioned that this initiative aims to utilize local bauxite resources to decrease the reliance on imported alumina and bolster domestic industries.

It is anticipated that building the refinery will boost the nearby area’s economy positively, generating employment opportunities and fostering economic expansion.

The Regional Minister restated that the government's backing of the initiative showcases their dedication to fostering economic growth and enhancing the worth of the nation's natural assets.

Wilbert Petty Brentum also praised the company’s leadership for making substantial investments in enhancing operational efficiency.

He further stated that since Ofori-Poku Company Limited assumed control from international operators three years ago, the company has shown significant growth and improved efficiency.

Mr. Brentum firmly believes that native enterprises can flourish with adequate support. He is convinced that local individuals possess the abilities and expertise needed to bring about beneficial changes within their societies.

As he points out, this view aligns with the government's pledge to foster the expansion of the private sector, especially indigenous enterprises, as a means to boost economic success.

He emphasized that the government's backing of indigenous enterprises is essential for Ghana’s economic progress. Through encouraging domestic ownership and management, the administration intends to generate employment opportunities, boost economic expansion, and lessen dependence on external funding.

Mr. Brentum stated, "The success of the Ghana Bauxite Company under local management underscores the potential for native enterprises to spur economic development."

Alexander Gyedu, the General Manager at Ghana Bauxite Company Limited, provided some insights into the history of the firm. He mentioned that it has been operational in Awaso, Ghana, since the 1940s. Over this span of more than eighty years, the mine has served not only as a supplier of high-quality trihydrate bauxite containing approximately 51% alumina (Al₂O₃) and just 2% silica with about 9% moisture but also played an integral role beyond mere extraction.

He mentioned that the firm is Ghana's premier and sole operational mine, now under the ownership of Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), an entirely locally-owned enterprise holding 80% stake. The remaining 20% is owned by the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC).

Mr. Gyedu stated that the company highly regards its workforce as its most valuable asset and thus, management is dedicated to enhancing employee well-being and consistently developing their capabilities.

He disclosed that upon OPCL becoming the principal stakeholder of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited in 2022, the workforce consisted of 483 individuals. By the close of February 2025, this figure has risen to 1,158 employees, with hiring continuing to boost output.

The General Manager stated that the company has acquired 160 nine-axle vehicle fleets since assuming control in 2022.

He mentioned that OPCL has obtained 42 new pieces of earthmoving machinery, 52 new dump trucks, 16 new utility vehicles, along with one surface miner and 35 new light-duty vehicles, including two new rollers and a tractor slasher, all intended solely for mining operations.

The addition of the new trucks significantly enhanced haulage activities, increasing the volume transported from approximately 600,000 tons in 2022 to roughly 1,700,000 tons of bauxite in 2024.

He went on to say that the company is gearing up to confront these challenges head-on and plans to implement several initiatives to boost production. These efforts encompass a comprehensive exploration program designed to evaluate the quantity and quality of bauxite within their concession area, acquiring advanced machinery, and initiating preparations for developing a fresh mining zone within their permitted territory, along with other measures.

The Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, Oyeadeeyie Basape Kojo Armah III, commended the company for initiating efforts to enhance corporate social responsibility through the establishment of a community relations office. He believes this will facilitate addressing the various concerns of the community’s stakeholders.

He further emphasized that transferring ownership to a Ghanaian significantly enhanced the well-being of employees and individuals in the surrounding region.

Basape Kojo Armah III stated that the inauguration of the community relations office demonstrates GBC’s dedication to social community development.

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