Atwima Mponua DCE appeals for accelerated investment in Nyinahin’s untapped bauxite reserves
By Eugene Davis
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Mponua, Ibrahim Issahak, has made a heartfelt plea to the national government to quicken the process of securing credible investors to exploit the district’s vast, underdeveloped bauxite reserves.
He emphasized that the district—and particularly Nyinahin, its capital—holds one of Ghana’s most promising bauxite assets, which has yet to be harnessed.
Nyinahin sits atop one of Ghana’s deepest and most promising bauxite zones (organized into Blocks A, B, and C spanning over 35 km) and said these reserves, if properly developed, can form a foundation for economic transformation in the district.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Local Government Committee session in Kumasi reviewing the 2024 Auditor-General’s findings, Mr. Issahak said:
“We have bauxite, but it remains untapped. We call on government to expedite the process of securing reputable investors who can responsibly mine the resource and catalyze economic change in our district.”
He pointed out that earlier agreements to develop Nyinahin via local partnerships have stalled—one such $1.2 billion lease with Rocksure International was recently canceled by the state due to legal non-ratification by Parliament, prompting a strategic redirection toward internationally-backed partnerships.
With Ghana now considering suitors such as Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and major Chinese firms, the DCE called on central government to help ensure Nyinahin is included in any national pipeline.
He added that Ghana’s planned bauxite refinery at Awaso (slated to begin by October 2025) would enhance capacity to process ore locally rather than shipping low-grade ore abroad.
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Fiscal Mobilization & Governance Commitments
He reiterated that the assembly has set an IGF target of GH₵2 million; to date, about GH₵500,000 has been collected. Mr. Issahak has charged his team to deepen public education and levy mobilization to close the shortfall.
On illegal mining, he affirmed a zero-tolerance stance:
“We will make illegal mining unpalatable for offenders.”
Bridging Infrastructure & Services Gaps
Mr. Issahak described Atwima Mponua as predominantly rural and lagging in infrastructure. He pledged bold interventions:
Education infrastructure: Many schools lack adequate facilities; he intends to ensure that by the end of his term, priority schools will be upgraded.
Road network: Many roads remain unpaved or in disrepair; he committed to tar as many major routes as possible prior to leaving office.
Telecommunication access: Currently, only about 30 % of the district has mobile/internet coverage. His office is coordinating with GIFEC (Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications) to roll out nationwide rural connectivity.
