Electrochem’s Ada Salt Deal in Jeopardy

The 15-year mining lease agreements for Electrochem Ghana Limited, a private salt mining company to mine salt on the Ada Songhor Lagoon appears to be in jeopardy with the withdrawal of consent to the agreement by the allodia owners of the lagoon. 

The latest blow to Electrochem which is owned by Daniel McKorley, Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group of Companies is the withdrawal of consent by Nene Korley IV who is the Divisional Chief and Clan-head of the Tekperbiawe Clan of the Ada Traditional Area. 

In a letter written to Mr. McKorley through his lawyers A-F Amissah & Wood Solicitors and Barristers Consultants dated 11th February 2025 and titled, “Letter of Withdrawal of Consent to Electrochem’s Dealing With the Songor Lagoon”, Nene Korley IV cited thuggery, insecurity in Ada, violation of rights of the indigenes and locals among others as the reasons for his withdrawal of consent to the company’s dealings with the Songor lagoon.

The letter which was copied NENE ABRAM KABU AKUAKA III, Paramount Chief of the Ada traditional area, the Director, Minerals Commission of Ghana, the Regional Commander and the members of Parliament for the area among others claimed that, “Contrary to the motive behind the intended project, things have taken a down turn through the actions of your company Electrochem Ghana Limited and your hired thugs who beat, harass intimidate settlers and communities around the Lagoon area”.  

“The level of high insecurity and dishonesty on your part has estranged the good faith exhibited towards the relationship established towards the development of the salt industry.

“Based on the forgoing, My Client brings to your notice that, he has from this day officially withdrawn his consent, mark or signature appended to any document signed by him which purports to support the work and activities of Electrochem Ghana Limited and demand that your company ceases to use any such document for any transaction”.

“This letter coming at the back of all recognized legal representatives of the Tekperbiawe Clan having withdrawn or reserved their endorsement of Electrochem Ghana Limited as far as the Songor Lagoon is concerned, so shall it be deemed that the Tekperbiawe Clan has officially distanced itself from any operation or act by Electrochem Ghana Limited towards the Songor Lagoon”, the letter from the lawyers stated.

The letter further urged Mr. McKorley to strictly comply with his demands and should the contrary be the case, he will act based on legal advice to take the necessary actions against him (McDan), his agents or any person required to be heard in the matter.

Even though the company claims to have invested about $88 million in revamping the salt mine, the locals insist that Electrochem has breached the terms of the lease by claiming lands that do not fall within the concession area.

The Parliament on November 6, 2020, ratified the mining lease agreements for Electrochem to mine salt on the Ada Songhor Lagoon, but the residents have been up in arms against the company which they accuse of attempting to deny them their livelihoods and reneging on the PNDC law which allows them to earn a living on the lagoon whilst a private investor undertakes its operations in a delineated confines under a win-win situation.

It is not immediately clear the legal ramifications such withdrawal of consent would have on Electrochem’s operations but the Tepkerbiawe Clan has been the allodia owners of the Songor Lagoon, its tributaries and adjourning land since time memorial until the recent takeover by the government of Ghana.

It will be recalled that apart from the Tepkerbiawe Clan, three (3) other clans in Ada, Adibiawe, Lomobiawe, Dangmebiawe and the Paramount Chief of Ada Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with McKorley in the year 2019 in which they pledged their support but recent disturbances in the area have compelled them to change their opinions apart from the Traditional Council headed by the paramount chief, Nene Abram Akuaku.

This is the full text of the letter;

11TH FEBRUARY 2025

MR. DANIEL McKORLEY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MACDAN GROUP OF COMPANIES

SEGE – ADA

LETTER OF WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT TO ELECTROCHEM’S DEALING WITH THE SONGOR LAGOON

I act as solicitor for NENE KORLE IV who is the Divisional Chief and Clan-head of the Tekperbiawe Clan of Ada Traditional Area, (hereinafter referred to as “My Client”) and I have his firm instructions to write to you on the above stated subject.

As you are aware, My Client’s Clan has been allodia owners of the Songor Lagoon, its tributaries and adjourning land since time memorial until recent takeover by the government of Ghana.

 My Client and the principal members of his clan being custodians of the Songor Lagoon and three (3) other clans in Ada, Adibiawe, Lomobiawe, Dangmebiawe and the Paramount Chief of Ada Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with yourself Mr. Daniel McKORLEY, Chairman of the Mac Dan Group of Companies in the year 2019.

It is the case of My Client that he gave his full support to intended project, because the purpose of the project was to serve the greater good of the Clan and the people of Ada.

Contrary to the motive behind the intended project, things have taken a down turn through the actions of your company Electrochem Ghana Limited and your hired thugs who beat, harass intimidate settlers and communities around the Lagoon area.  

The level of high insecurity and dishonesty on your part has estranged the good faith exhibited towards the relationship established towards the development of the salt industry.

Generally the good people of Ada and in particular, the Tekperbiawe Clan.

Based on the forgoing, My Client brings to your notice that, he has from this day officially withdrawn his consent, mark or signature appended to any document signed by him which purports to support the work and activities of   Electrochem Ghana Limited and demand that your company cease to use any such document for any transaction. 

This letter coming at the back of all recognized legal representatives of the Tekperbiawe Clan having withdrawn or reserved their endorsement of Electrochem Ghana Limited as far as the Songor Lagoon is concerned, so shall it be deemed that the Tekperbiawe Clan has officially distanced itself from any operation or act by Electrochem Ghana Limited towards the Songor Lagoon.

My Client insists that you strictly comply with his demands and should the contrary be the case , he will based on legal advice , take the necessary actions against you, your agent or any person required to be heard in this matter.

My Client wishes you well in your civil endeavor.

Yours faithfully,

ROBERT ISHMAEL AGGREY-FYNN AMISSAN, ESQ.

Cc

NENE KORLE  - CLIENT

(Wetsoyi, Tekperbiawe Clan Ada)

NENE ABRAM KABU AKUAKA III

Paramount Chief of the Ada traditional area and 

3 The Registrar 

Ada Traditional Council 

4 The Director

Minerals Commission of Ghana  

5. The Regional Commander 

Ghana Police Service

6. The District Commander

 Ghana Police Service

Ada West District

7. The District Commander

 Ghana Police Service

Ada East District

8. Tekperbiawe Asafoatse Ngua Glorgey Dadedom

9. Tekperbiawe stool father Numo Tetteh Abledu

10. Tekperbiawe Libi Priest 

11. Naana Korlekie Queen Mother Tekperbiawe Clan

12. Divisional Commander

Kasseh – Ada 

13. Ada East MP Hon. Doyoe

14. Ada West MP Hon. Bessey

15. Ada Radio 93.3FM

16. Okor Radio