Pudo: An exploratory survey to assess the presence of iron ore at Pudo has begun, as announced by Mr. Abdulai Batia Santi, the deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Strategy and Investor Relations at the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC).
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Santi made the announcement during a visit by GIISDEC officials to Pudo, an initiative aimed at engaging local stakeholders. The visit served to interact with the community, gather accurate data, and formally notify them of upcoming exploration activities, aligning with national policy and international best practices.
Mr. Santi emphasized the historic opportunity this discovery represents for Ghana's development by harnessing its mineral resources. He highlighted the critical role of iron and steel in industrialized economies and Ghana's vision to industrialize through a robust iron and steel sector. He assured that the activities would be conducted transparently and responsibly, respecting environmental concerns, community livelihoods, and the authority of traditional leaders and landowners.
Being an indigene of the area, Mr. Santi expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his appointment to GIISDEC and pledged to ensure that the resources discovered in Pudo benefit the community and the wider region.
Divisional chief of Kwapun, Pio Kwabalugu Emmanuel Ali IV, expressed concerns over the poor condition of the Sissala roads and requested action to address this issue. He also highlighted challenges with basic social amenities, such as the lack of schools and clinics, and appealed for the provision of pipe-borne water to alleviate the community's struggle for potable water.
Mr. Bening Adamu Yakubu, the Sissala East Municipal Chief Executive, called for unity and cooperation for development. He discussed the project's potential economic and developmental impacts and acknowledged the possible inconveniences related to relocation and land concerns, advocating for peaceful dispute resolutions. He also announced the introduction of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program in Pudo this year to benefit eligible residents.
Mr. Issah Mohammed Bataglia, the Member of Parliament for the Sissala East Constituency, expressed confidence in Ghana's mining laws and local content policies to protect community interests. He urged chiefs, elders, and residents to maintain peace and create a welcoming environment for the exploration team.