Electrochem Ghana Workers Protesting Over Salary Arrears, Accuse Management of Misusing Funds

A tense standoff is unfolding at Ada as workers of Electrochem Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the McDan Group, are protesting over unpaid salaries spanning eight months. The protest, which erupted at the company’s premises from Monday, saw angry employees clad in red armbands and chanting protest songs as they demanded immediate payment of their arrears.

The workers allege that while they continue to endure severe financial hardship, management has diverted funds meant for their wages to sponsor the upcoming Asafotufiam Festival, a key traditional celebration in the Ada area. The protesters have threatened to disrupt the event if their salaries are not paid before its commencement.

“We’ve worked without pay for eight months, and management has shown no concern. Yet they have money to throw festivals and pamper chiefs. If they can’t pay us, they shouldn’t think the festival will happen,” a protesting worker told reporters.

The workers’ allegations include claims that Electrochem is sponsoring aspects of the festival as part of a broader effort to gain favor with some traditional leaders, amid ongoing resistance from sections of the Ada community over the company’s operations at the Songor Lagoon.

Electrochem claims it was awarded a 41,000-acre salt mining concession in 2020 under a lease agreement that has since become a lightning rod for controversy. While the company insists the deal is legal and in line with Ghana’s industrialization goals, many locals argue it has led to the displacement of traditional salt winners and deprived the community of access to a communal resource historically protected by PNDC Law 287.

Tensions between Electrochem and the Ada community have been simmering for years, with clashes occasionally breaking out between youth groups and the company’s security forces. In January, hostilities escalated after Electrochem’s guards were accused of assaulting a sub-chief of Sege-Nakomkope. In response, angry youth seized some of the company’s facilities in protest.

Community frustration continues to build amid accusations that parts of the Ada Traditional Council have been compromised. Critics allege that the loyalty of some chiefs has been bought through corporate incentives and festival sponsorships—an arrangement they say has undermined the very people the chiefs are meant to protect.

The recent protest adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious situation. Three weeks ago, local youth groups backed by community elders announced plans to protest what they described as the “hijacking” of the Songor Lagoon by private interests. That protest was blocked by police, who cited security risks.

Political tensions have also deepened. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), government in opposition had previously advocated for community ownership of the lagoon, and has called for a review of the concession agreement. However, the party has been accused by elements of the Traditional Council of fueling unrest.

Meanwhile, government silence on the matter now has drawn criticism. Despite the growing volatility, official policy or mediation plan is yet to be finalized by the state to address the grievances of workers or resolve the broader community concerns.

With the Asafotufiam Festival just days away, the standoff between Electrochem Ghana and its workers threatens not just a cherished cultural tradition, but the fragile social fabric of the Ada area. The protest has laid bare longstanding tensions over land rights, economic justice, and corporate accountability.

As of the time of filing this report, Electrochem Ghana has not issued an official statement in response to the workers’ claims.