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Electrochem to employ 7,000 youth for salt project
Dr Mckorley speaking at the official opening of Electrochem
Over 7,000 Ghanaian youth will be employed next year when the Electrochem Ghana Limited Songor Salt Project becomes fully operational.
Currently, 3,000 persons have been employed for the first phase of the project with 4,000 more expected to be engaged when the salt concession hits full operations in 2024.
This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the McDan Group, Dr Daniel Mckorley at the commissioning of Electrochem’s Salt Mine and Processing Plant at Ada in the Greater Accra Region last Wednesday.
The commissioning, which was performed by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, would make Electrochem the hub for salt production in Africa.
The President commended Dr McKorley and Electrochem for harnessing the full potential of the songor lagoon.
“This is the first time in the history of Ghana that an indigenous Ghanaian businessman owns one of the biggest salt refineries in Africa,” he said.
He said Ghana could supply Nigeria and other parts of the world with salt and the importation of salt from Europe would become a thing of the past.
“Nigeria is currently importing two billion worth of salt from Brazil annually and gradually Ghana could be able to provide the neighbouring country and other countries with salt,” he said.
“Producing two million metric tons of salt a year will be the biggest salt concession in Africa and the government is committed to supporting the company to succeed,” he stated.
He thanked the Paramount Chief of Ada, Nene Abram Akuaku III and the people of Ada for their support and urged them to become stakeholders of the project.
Electrochem, a subsidiary of the McDan Group had been granted a 15-year lease to transform the Ada Songor salt concession which hitherto was left to deteriorate due to mismanagement.
The concession which has been in existence for over 54 years, was left in the hands of the locals but the government in 2020, following a diversification agenda to utilise natural resources and rely on public-private partnerships to transform the economy, gave the lagoon to Electrochem for development.
Dr Daniel McKorley said the concession has been transformed in two years and would provide jobs for the local people and ultimately boost the economy.
Currently, he said the company was producing 650,000 metric tons of salt and would move to a million metric tons next year and two million by 2025.
“This is only the first phase of the project and by the time we are done with the refinery and other sections, we could lead the industrialisation drive of the country, by providing jobs to boost the economy,” he stated.
He said, a chemical university to drive industrialisation in Ghana would also be built after the final phase.
The commissioning brought together dignitaries including the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr K.T Hammond as well as executives from the Ghana Association of Industries, Chamber of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency and Ecobank.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study
A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.
The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.
Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”
“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.
The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.
The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.
Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.
As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.
Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.
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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement
• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas
Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.
Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.
That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.
The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.
As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.
These people have turned the pavements into their places of abode, covering every inch of space with their wares.
Our photographer, Lizzy Okai, captures some of the unfriendly scenes the authorities must try and deal with to restore sanity to the area.
By Lizzy Okai
