President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is set to break ground for the construction of a $450 million manganese processing plant in Nsuta, Western Region, on Thursday, November 21, 2024. This announcement was made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, during his visit to the Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. He confirmed that the project is in its final stages, with high expectations that construction will commence before the year ends.
Abu Jinapor praised GMC’s management and workforce for their dedicated contributions to the nation, but emphasized that the company’s economic impact is poised to grow significantly with the establishment of the refinery plant. This initiative is part of President Akufo-Addo’s vision to add value to Ghana’s natural resources.
The minister described the refinery’s construction as a “big deal” and a “major breakthrough,” explaining that it marks a critical shift from exporting raw manganese to value addition. This shift will lead to increased employment opportunities and revenue generation within the manganese industry. “The company is working to get its next strategic phase done and far advanced. I am happy to report that we are currently at the concluding phase of beginning the construction of a refinery here in Nsuta,” Jinapor said.
He further noted that extensive efforts have been made, with collaborative teams from Ghana and China, and that only a few final steps, including parliamentary approval for the fiscal regime, remain before the project can officially commence. “Thereafter, we will be very much on the highway in terms of getting the refinery constructed and commissioned,” he added.
The construction of the refinery will not only end the centuries-long exportation of raw manganese but will also keep the highest part of the value chain within Ghana, resulting in positive economic outcomes for the country. The move will impact employment, spur downstream industries, and contribute to the broader economy, aligning with the president’s vision of value addition for all of Ghana’s natural resources.
Jurgen Eijgendaal, Managing Director of GMC, praised Jinapor’s support and confirmed that the company is preparing for the refinery’s development, with significant investments planned to ensure the project’s success.
