‘Unmet’ expectations in the face of a rising indigenous bauxite company

The Ghana Bauxite Company recently opened a community relations office in Awaso. This is the first such center in the company's 80-year history. It aims to connect the company with the local community. General Manager Alex Gyedu called it a historic moment.

However, not everyone in the community shares this excitement. Many residents have unmet expectations despite the smiles from officials. They face issues like inadequate school desks, poor roads, and limited sanitation facilities.

Korang Ebenezer, a commercial driver, expressed frustration about the roads. He fears frequent visits to mechanics due to their terrible condition. "Maintenance costs are eating into our income," he said.

Adwoa Kwartengmaa sells roasted plantain along these roads. She noted that poor road conditions hurt her business. Despite health risks from dust exposure, she continues working to support her family.

A journey that should take three minutes now takes ten due to potholes and ditches. Residents feel frustrated as they wait for repairs.

Philomena Akwa is losing her sight due to dust exposure at home. Initially ignoring the dust, she later experienced eye irritation and sought medical help. Unfortunately, prescribed eye drops did not improve her condition.

Doctors advised Philomena to leave her home but she cannot bear to do so. The result of staying is gradual blindness without proper glasses.

On October 2 last year, ten school heads wrote to Ghana Bauxite Company for help with desks and teaching materials. Six months later, they are still waiting for a response. Some classrooms have desks meant for two children occupied by three or four students.

Kweku Aseye from Awaso Roman Catholic D/A School reported that some children bring stools from home just to sit during lessons.

The community's public toilet was closed due to safety concerns, leaving residents with long walks when nature calls. Ano Mary struggles daily without access to a toilet and worries about where her next meal will come from.

Despite mining millions of tonnes of bauxite each year, Ghana Bauxite Company has not paid dividends to the government consistently. This lack of payment could hinder development efforts in Awaso.

An auditor general’s report revealed that in 2022, the company owed GHc3,483,420.11 in unpaid royalties while reporting profits in previous years.

GIADEC managers criticized the company's lack of transparency and accountability regarding its finances and operations.

In response, General Manager Alex Gyedu stated they have cleared all unpaid royalties with authorities. He emphasized their commitment to engaging with the community on its needs through their new office.

Gyedu mentioned past corporate social responsibility efforts included building infrastructure like a modern chief palace and supporting local communities with boreholes and drains.

Currently, they provide subsidized healthcare and job opportunities for local youth through various programs. Since taking over management, staff numbers increased from 483 to 1,158 workers.

To address dusty roads, Gyedu noted that they use sprinklers for maintenance purposes. Their goal remains focused on transforming lives and improving local welfare.