For nearly three years, Electrochem Ghana Limited, a salt mining company owned by Ghanaian businessman Daniel Mckorley, also known as McDan, has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute with the people of Ada.

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The conflict emerged in 2020 when Electrochem obtained a lease from traditional leaders and government approval to mine salt in the Ada-Songor lagoon.

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The company asserted that the lease would bring developmental opportunities to the area, including job prospects for local youth.

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However, opinions among the Ada people were divided. While some believed in the project's positive impact, others viewed the privatization of the lagoon as a threat to their livelihoods, as they relied on the lagoon for their own salt mining activities.

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Despite numerous protests and demonstrations by the youth of Ada, the project persisted. Electrochem proceeded with the mining activities and the project was officially commissioned by President Akufo-Addo on August 30, 2023.

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In response, the Chief of Terkpebiawe Clan in Ada and a prominent member of the Ada Songor Lagoon Association (ASLA) emphasized in a press briefing in January that the residents would not consent to the company mining salt extensively in the lagoon.

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“McDan has been given a place to work in the Lagoon and we entreat him to focus on his territory because we will not vacate our vast portion for him to operate. He alone cannot feed us and our subjects; this is the source of livelihood of the people. You McDan have no right to be here, your presence in Ada is illegitimate and you cannot give us any ultimatum,” he asserted.

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In a rekindled feud, a shooting between Ada residents and Electrochem Ghana Limited resulted in one confirmed death and multiple injuries.

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Following the incident, local journalist Isaac Ofei spoke with CitiNews and stated: “Today, these alleged land guards went to Toflokpo. The chief of the town informed me that when the landguards arrived, they began attacking anyone in sight. The people of Toflokpo retaliated as well. Some residents of Ada stated that this is their source of livelihood, so if Electrochem takes over all the land, where will they find their source of income and livelihood?” he asked.

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Nonetheless, Electrochem has refuted any role it played in the conflict. Ghanaians are waiting for government action to guarantee a peaceful resolution to the long-running dispute.

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