The Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has announced plans to construct a bauxite refinery in Awaso, Western North Region, marking a significant step towards adding value to its raw materials and boosting Ghana's industrialization drive. The company, under local ownership, has demonstrated growth, increased efficiency, and expanded its workforce since Ofori-Poku Company Limited took over from foreign operators three years ago.

The proposed refinery will process raw bauxite into alumina, a vital component in aluminum production, reducing the country's reliance on foreign refineries and increasing the overall value of the company's output. According to the General Manager of the company, Alexander Gyedu, local refining will create employment opportunities, generate higher revenues, and contribute significantly to Ghana's economic growth.

The government has expressed its commitment to supporting the project as part of a broader strategy to develop an integrated aluminum industry in Ghana. The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, emphasized that leveraging the country's bauxite resources will help reduce the importation of alumina and support local industries. The construction of the refinery is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and encouraging economic activities in the region.

The Ghana Bauxite Company has a long history, operating in Awaso since the 1940s. It has established itself as a leading source of premium trihydrate bauxite, with an alumina (Al₂O₃) content of 51% and low silica of 2%. Since 2022, the company has been under the majority ownership of Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), a fully Ghanaian-owned entity with an 80% stake. The remaining 20% is held by the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) on behalf of the government.

Under local ownership, the company has prioritized the welfare and development of its workforce. The company's workforce has expanded from 483 employees in 2022 to 1,158 by the end of February 2025, with further recruitment ongoing to expand production capacity. Additionally, the company has made significant investments in equipment to enhance operations, including the acquisition of 160 nine-axle trucks, 42 earth-moving machines, and other machinery.

These investments have significantly improved haulage operations, increasing the transportation of bauxite from approximately 600,000 tonnes in 2022 to 1,700,000 tonnes in 2024. Looking ahead, the company is undertaking several initiatives to enhance production, including an extensive exploration programme to assess the quality and volume of bauxite within its concession, procurement of additional equipment, and the development of a new mining area.

The success of Ghana Bauxite Company under local management is a testament to the potential of indigenous businesses in driving economic growth. The government's support for the initiative aligns with its strategy to promote economic prosperity by supporting private sector growth. As the company continues to expand its operations and invest in the local community, it is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy and contribute to Ghana's industrialization drive.