The newly confirmed District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ada West, Mr. Jerry John Foreigner Amornortey Mills-Nkrumah Tanihu, has pledged to prioritize resolving the longstanding dispute over the Songor Lagoon as a key focus of his administration.
Speaking after his confirmation, Mr. Tanihu described the lagoon as a critical natural resource for the Ada West District, but also a source of persistent tension following its lease to Electrochem Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the McDan Group, in 2020. The 41,000-acre concession, granted for salt mining, has been a flashpoint for conflict since the company’s operations began in January 2021, with some residents expressing deep concerns over land rights and economic impacts.
In a bid to address the situation, the DCE committed to engaging all key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, youth groups, and women’s associations, to find a lasting solution to the lagoon impasse.
“We cannot afford to let this resource divide us across generations,” Mr. Tanihu stressed. “As a community, we must come together to resolve our differences and protect what is ours.”
He also warned against taking the native people of Ada for granted, noting that their historical connection to the land should be respected.
Beyond the lagoon issue, Mr. Tanihu promised to push for the implementation of various flagship programmes of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in the district, aimed at creating jobs and improving livelihoods for the youth.
He emphasized the importance of local governance, encouraging young people to take an active role in their community’s development rather than solely relying on central government support.
“Remember, the operative word is local governance,” he said, urging locals to engage meaningfully in district-level decision-making.
