Ghana Bauxite Company to Build Refinery in Awaso: A Major Boost for Local Industry
The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) at Awaso in the Western North Region has announced plans to build a bauxite refinery, a move that is expected to add value to Ghana’s natural resources and boost the local economy.
This announcement was made by the General Manager of the company, Alexander Gyedu, during the official opening of a Community Relations Office at Awaso.
According to Mr. Gyedu, the establishment of the refinery will be a game-changer for the company and Ghana’s aluminum industry. The refinery will process raw bauxite into alumina, a key ingredient in aluminum production, which will help reduce Ghana’s reliance on foreign refineries.
By refining bauxite locally, GBC aims to:
• Increase revenue generation
• Create more employment opportunities for the local community
• Enhance operational efficiency
The refinery aligns with the government’s vision of developing an integrated aluminum industry that leverages Ghana’s rich bauxite deposits.
Government’s Commitment to the Project
The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that it will not only boost production efficiency but also create more jobs for the people of Awaso and its surrounding communities.
He reiterated the government’s support for the project, stating that the refinery is part of a broader plan to reduce alumina imports and promote local industries.
The government is committed to supporting indigenous businesses like Ghana Bauxite Company, as this will help drive economic development and add value to our natural resources,” Mr. Brentum stated.
Since Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL) took over Ghana Bauxite Company from foreign operators three years ago, the company has experienced significant growth.
According to Mr. Gyedu, the company has:
• Increased the workforce from 483 employees in 2022 to 1,158 employees by February 2025, with ongoing recruitment.
• Acquired 160 new fleets of 9-axle trucks to enhance operations.
• Purchased 42 new earth-moving equipment, 52 dump trucks, 16 utilities, one surface miner, 35 light-duty vehicles, 2 rollers, and a tractor slasher, among others, to boost mining efficiency.
• Improved haulage operations from 600,000 tons in 2022 to about 1.7 million tons of bauxite in 2024.
The company is also embarking on an extensive exploration program to assess the quantity and quality of bauxite within its concession and is making preparations to develop new mining areas.
As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), GBC has opened a Community Relations Office at Awaso.
The Paramount Chief of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, Oyeadeeyie Basape Kojo Armah III, commended the company for this initiative, stating that the office will help address concerns of community stakeholders and improve relations between the company and the local people.
He also praised the transfer of ownership to a Ghanaian company, noting that it has significantly improved the welfare of workers and the surrounding communities.
“The opening of this office is a testament to GBC’s commitment to community development,” the chief added.
A Bright Future for Ghana’s Bauxite Industry
The construction of the bauxite refinery marks a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to develop a self-sustaining aluminum industry. With government backing and a clear vision from the Ghana Bauxite Company, this project is expected to:
• Enhance local processing of raw materials
• Reduce dependency on imports
• Create jobs and stimulate economic growth
With these efforts, Ghana’s bauxite industry is on track for significant transformation, ensuring that the country benefits more from its rich natural resources.