Representatives from the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and Mytilineos S.A., the designated firm responsible for implementing Project 3A crucial to Ghana’s aluminum industry, met with the leadership and residents of Nyinahin-Mpasaaso in the Ashanti Region.
This follows the selection and announcement of Mytilineos S.A as strategic partner to develop portions of Nyinahin bauxite resources and build a refinery, known as Project 3A.
Mytilineos is an industrial and energy multinational company, listed on the Athens Stock Exchange.
The ceremony brought together traditional authorities, people of Nyinahin-Mpasaaso and surrounding communities to welcome senior executives of GIADEC and Mytilineos.
The Omanhene of Mpasaso Traditional Area, Nana Tabiri Gyansah III, and Bantamahene, Nana Baffuor Owusu Amankwatia VI, represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the event.
The Bantamahene, Nana Baffuor Owusu Amankwatia VI, speaking at the event, expressed that the engagement will inspire hope in the people of the area.
He said the execution of Project 3A, which involves the development of a mine and a refinery, will boost the local economy and transform the lives of the people and communities.
He declared their strong endorsement of the project and fervently urged GIADEC and Mytilineos to prioritise employment opportunities for residents.
He additionally urged the project partners to conduct their operations in a manner that respects the local culture and upholds environmental standards.
The Omanhene of Mpasaso Traditional Area, Nana Tabiri Gyansah III, echoed the plea to GIADEC and Mytilineos, stressing the importance of prioritising the local community at every stage of the project. He emphasised that this approach would secure the support of the people and grant the partners the necessary “license to operate”.
During his address at the durbar, the Chief Executive Officer of GIADEC, Michael Ansah, reassured the chiefs and people of Nyinahin-Mpasaaso that local content, which includes engaging local artisans, sub-contractors and offering skills training for the youth, was central to the plans of both GIADEC and Mytilineos.
For his part, Administrative Director at Mytilineos, Dimitrios Kakarouchas, stated that his outfit would leverage on the existing relationship built with the Ghanaian people over the years through the company’s involvement in Ghana’s energy sector and deepen their understanding of the people and local environment as they expand into metals.
Following the durbar, the chiefs accompanied the team from GIADEC and Mytilineos as they ascended the hills for the symbolic opening and entry into the project site. Here, Mytilineos will commence Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE) to determine the quantities of bauxite.
Present at the durbar were Isaac Kofi Marfo and Joseph Frimpong Bonsu, District Chief Executives of Atwima-Mponua and Ahafo Ano South West, respectively. Also in attendance were GIADEC’s 19-member committee of Mpasaaso and Nyinahene, district police personnel and other key stakeholders from the area.
Before the durbar, the delegation from GIADEC and Mytilineos S.A. had visited the Asantehene at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to introduce Mytilineos to Otumfuo.
