Sege NDC Chairman Urges Calm, Defends Government’s Role in Songor Lagoon Dispute

The Sege Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Sewornu, has called for calm amid mounting tension between communities along the Songor Lagoon and Electrochem Ghana Limited, a private company operating a salt mining concession in the area.

Mr. Sewornu, addressing the media, strongly defended the government’s ongoing efforts to address the grievances of the affected communities. He urged residents to remain patient and avoid actions that could further destabilize the situation.

“There is no need to resort to violence or confrontation,” he stated. “The government under President John Dramani Mahama is fully aware of the concerns being raised and is actively working behind the scenes to ensure that these matters are resolved through dialogue, engagement, and fair stakeholder consultation.”

His comments come in response to growing criticism from sections of the community and some party supporters who accuse the current government of neglecting their plight, despite promises made by the NDC while in opposition to restore community access to the Songor Lagoon.

In recent days, youth groups and some NDC constituency executives in Ada West have publicly condemned what they describe as the “total takeover” of the lagoon by Electrochem Ghana Limited, claiming that it has stripped locals of their traditional salt mining livelihood. They allege that several residents have been brutalized by security forces during protests against the company’s operations.

At a recent press conference, the aggrieved residents displayed images of individuals who they claimed had been assaulted by security operatives allegedly linked to Electrochem.

But Mr. Sewornu urged residents to avoid politicizing the issue and instead allow government agencies and relevant ministries to engage all stakeholders, including traditional leaders and local authorities, to find a sustainable and peaceful resolution.

“This government is not sleeping on this issue. President Mahama has not turned his back on Ada. We are committed to ensuring that the people benefit from their natural resources, not the other way around,” the constituency chairman stressed.

Mr. Sewornu also hinted at high-level discussions being held between the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ada Traditional Council, and Electrochem Ghana Limited to explore fair and inclusive alternatives that protect both local livelihoods and the company’s investment interests.

“We know what the Songor Lagoon means to the people of Ada. It is more than an economic asset; it is a heritage. That is why government’s approach is focused on balance, equity, and justice,” he added.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Electrochem Ghana Limited regarding the allegations of abuse and community exclusion were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

The Songor Lagoon has long been a contested economic resource in the Ada area, with various governments struggling to mediate competing interests between local communities and private investors. The latest standoff adds to a growing list of tensions in the region.

Despite the unrest, Mr. Sewornu remains optimistic that the Mahama-led administration will deliver a solution that restores calm and reaffirms the government’s commitment to protecting community rights while promoting responsible investment.

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