New GBC Owners Invest $112m In Operations -Open New Office At Awaso

**The Community Relations Office**
*Seth Godfred Antwi – GBC General Manager*

The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) is now owned by Ofori Poku Company Limited (OPCL). This is a fully Ghanaian-owned company. They have launched a transformation agenda to benefit local communities.

The goal of this agenda is to promote local development. It aims to create economic opportunities and foster partnerships for growth.

As part of this plan, OPCL has invested US$112.98 million in new equipment. They also established the first Community Relations Office at Awaso. This office will help build positive relationships with local chiefs and residents.

The office aims to strengthen ties with the community. It will support Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives for local development and empowerment.

During the office's commissioning last Friday, General Manager Seth Godfred Antwi spoke about recent changes. Since OPCL acquired 80% of GBC in 2022, staff numbers increased from 465 to 1,158. Among them are 85 women, and 90 percent are locals from the area.

Mr. Antwi mentioned that GBC operates on a 35.5 sq km concession in Awaso. The company has created jobs and invested significantly in new machinery. They are also expecting a second surface miner by June this year.

By February 2025, OPCL had acquired many new vehicles and equipment. This includes 42 earth-moving machines and several dump trucks and light-duty vehicles.

He noted that they added 161 nine-axle trucks to improve haulage operations. As a result, bauxite transport increased from 600,000 tons in 2022 to 1.7 million tons in 2024.

This increase supports GBC’s goal of becoming a leader in the global bauxite industry. It also helps stimulate economic growth and boost government revenue.

In addition, GBC engaged 74 National Service personnel for the current year. Thirty were retained while another group was hired for next year.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, GBC built the chief’s palace at Awaso and improved police facilities nearby.

Western North Regional Minister Wilbert Petty Brentum praised the establishment of the Community Relations Office. He encouraged collaboration between the company and local chiefs for community development.

The Minister promised support for GBC’s efforts to engage stakeholders effectively.

Nana Basape Kwadwo Armah III, Omanhene of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, attended the ceremony as well. He emphasized that good relations between the company and community lead to mutual benefits.

He noted that ownership transfer from GBC to OPCL improved stakeholder relations significantly.

Nana Kwame Amponsah III, chief of Awaso, commended OPCL for hiring local youth. He expressed hope that unemployment issues would be addressed effectively in their area.