He has also given the company a 30-day ultimatum to fully implement a contractual agreement to develop 300 metres at the northern and the southern belts of the concession area for residents of the communities to participate in the salt mining.

The directive by the minister followed a clash between the residents of the communities in the Keta Lagoon area and the mining company over concerns that the operations of the company were a disservice to the local people.

The residents had accused the company of violating the contractual agreement to draw water from the sea for its operations, stating that the continued drawing of underground water had lowered the water table, thereby depriving the residents of potable water.

They also accused the company of not satisfying the parts of the agreement that would benefit the residents, including the failure to develop the concession area.

In the aftermath of the brouhaha, Mr Amewu set up a five-member committee to investigate the causes of the impasse between the local people and the foreign company.

Armed with the report of the investigative committee, the minister last Thursday led a delegation from the ministry to visit the site and interact with the residents in an effort to resolve the impasse.

Mr Amewu, acting on the findings of the investigation, gave the directives as an immediate measure to calm the situation, while further dialogue and engagements were carried out with the parties for an amicable solution.

He said much as the government was focused on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, the operations of private companies ought to be in the interest of the local economy and host communities.

"This government is private-sector oriented, but we will not allow the situation where companies will exploit local people and deprive them of basic needs," he said.

He urged the management of the company to strengthen its engagements with the traditional rulers and opinion leaders in the host communities to build a rapport and promote mutual interest.

Observations

The Daily Graphic observed that even though 300 metres had been demarcated at the northern and the southern belts of the concession area by the company, it had not been developed for the residents to participate in the salt mining.

It was also quite clear that there was no effective engagement with the local people.

Some of the residents complained that workers of the mining company received GH¢8 a day, a development they found to be so exploitative.

Seven Sea’s response

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of Seven Sea Salt Company, Mr Adams Mensah, has said the company will adhere to the directives given by the minister.

"The management of the company will step up efforts to start drawing water from the sea. As for the demarcated portions for the residents, it is disagreement among the leaders of the communities that has made it difficult for the company to develop it.

"We will strengthen engagement with them, with the hope that they will come to an understanding to pave the way for a smooth take-off," he said.

 Residents of Adina mining for salt