Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) has set an ambitious target of producing 6 million tonnes of bauxite by the end of 2025.
To achieve this goal, the company has invested a substantial US$122.97 million in upgrading its infrastructure and operational efficiencies. This significant investment has enabled GBC to acquire a robust fleet of equipment, including surface miners, haulage trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and to retool existing plant and machinery.
According to the General Manager of GBC, Mr. Alexander Gyedu, who addressed the media at Awaso in the Western North Region, the company’s production volumes have already seen a remarkable boost. The use of both surface mining and drill-and-blast methods has increased production from 1.3 million tonnes per annum to about 1.8 million tonnes in 2024.
Mr. Gyedu attributed this historic production milestone to the takeover of the company by Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL) from Bosai Group in 2022. OPCL’s acquisition of GBC has brought about significant changes, including the replacement of old and dilapidated equipment.
As of February 2025, OPCL had acquired 42 new earth-moving machines, 52 new dump trucks, 16 utility vehicles, one surface miner, and 35 light-duty vehicles, among others. The company is expecting the delivery of a second surface miner by the end of June 2025.
The haulage department has also seen major improvements, with OPCL adding 161 9-axle trucks to its fleet since taking over in 2022. This has led to a substantial increase in haulage operations—from around 600,000 tonnes in 2022 to about 1.7 million tonnes of bauxite in 2024.
As GBC works towards achieving its production target of 6 million tonnes by the end of 2025, the company remains committed to environmentally responsible mining practices. The acquisition of new equipment and technology is expected to reduce the company’s environmental footprint.
GBC’s plans to expand its operations and increase production are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmentally responsible mining practices demonstrates its dedication to sustainable development.
Ghana Bauxite Company Prioritizes Environmental Protection
The management of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited has reiterated its commitment to environmental protection, emphasizing that the company’s operations are guided by strict adherence to ecological regulations.
Mr. Alexander Gyedu stated that GBC is dedicated to responsible resource management, striving to minimize its impact on the environment through conservation, reclamation measures, and sustainable mining practices.
He noted that the company diligently complies with regulatory standards and submits reports to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required by law. This, he emphasized, demonstrates the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its environmental stewardship.
Environmental experts have praised GBC’s efforts, noting that the mining sector significantly impacts the environment and that responsible practices are essential to mitigating this impact.
The government has also been vocal about its commitment to protecting the environment, particularly in the mining sector. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has emphasized the need for mining companies to prioritize environmental protection.
The EPA has been working closely with mining companies, including GBC, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
GBC’s commitment to environmental protection is particularly significant given its location in the Western North Region, an area known for its rich biodiversity. The company’s efforts to minimize its environmental impact align with the government’s vision to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.
Mr. Gyedu mentioned that as the mining sector continues to play a critical role in Ghana’s economy, it is essential for companies like GBC to prioritize environmental protection.
GBC’s Awaso Mine concession covers an area of 47.04 sq km. The company’s ratified 30-year mining lease spans the Subri, Inchiniso, Kanayerebo, Afumba, and Boakakhirri areas. GBC has been operating the Inchiniso pit since 1969, producing high-grade trihydrate bauxite annually. The Run-of-Mine (ROM) average output stands at 2.5 million metric tonnes annually.
Bauxite was first discovered in Ghana in 1921 by the Gold Coast Geological Survey team.
In 2022, the Bosai Group transferred their 80% shareholding to the current owner—Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), a member of the IOP Group of Companies—while the Government of Ghana retained its 20% share.
Success Journey of GBC
In 2022, Isaac Ofori Poku (IOP), a visionary Ghanaian businessman, acquired approximately 80% of the shares in Ghana Bauxite Company Limited at Awaso in the Western North Region, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s mining industry. This acquisition transferred majority ownership of the company to a local entity, paving the way for a new era of growth and success.
Under IOP’s leadership, GBC has undergone a remarkable transformation. One of his major goals was to reduce the unemployment rate in the catchment area and in Ghana at large. True to his word, the company has increased its contract staff from 465 to 1,061 employees, comprising 976 males and 85 females. This increase in employment has had a positive impact on the local economy.
In addition to job creation, IOP has invested heavily in acquiring sophisticated equipment to boost production. The company has acquired 56 new machines and 198 new trucks, including Sino trucks, RDT trucks, TX 400 dump trucks, and Howo 371 trucks. This major investment has significantly increased the company’s production capacity and enabled it to export more bauxite ore.
The results speak for themselves. In 2024, GBC exported a record 1.8 million metric tonnes of bauxite ore to China and other markets—a historic achievement and a testament to IOP’s vision and leadership.
The success of GBC under IOP’s leadership is a shining example of what can be achieved when local businesses are empowered. With a dynamic management team and a dedicated workforce, the company is poised for even greater success in the future.
Source: Ghana/StarrFM 103.5FM/Isaac Justice Bediako
