Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) is seeking a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Government of Ghana to develop a dedicated rail line that will significantly cut haulage distance, lower operational costs, and improve road safety.
The appeal was made during a high-level engagement between the Ghana Chamber of Mines leadership and management of GMC at Nsuta on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The meeting formed part of the Chamber’s ongoing leadership outreach program to better understand the operational realities of its members and advocate effectively on their behalf.
Speaking during the visit, the General Manager of GMC, Mr. Joseph Ampong emphasized that the current 93-kilometre road haulage route to the port could be reduced to 63 kilometres via rail, creating substantial economic and environmental benefits. However, the company stressed that collaboration with government is critical to bring the rail vision to life.
“We are ready to invest in the infrastructure, but it will only make economic sense with full government collaboration. A PPP model is the way forward,” Mr. Ampong stated.
According to the Chamber’s CEO, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, the issue of rail connectivity was a top priority. He assured GMC that the Chamber would engage key stakeholders including the Ghana Railway Authority, the Ministry of Transport, and the Chinese Ambassador, given ongoing work with contractor Armandi. The new CEO of the Ghana Railway Authority had already visited GMC and toured the old rail lines, signaling early progress.
Beyond the rail development, GMC also reiterated plans for a $450 million Ore Refinery Project, a transformational initiative that could produce cement as a by-product.
The company is appealing to the Chamber to facilitate engagement with government to ease restrictions and also partner with local academic institutions like the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to develop relevant technical training programs that will supply the future workforce for the refinery.
Now marking over 100 years in continuous operation, GMC noted its resilience through economic shocks and global challenges, including the loss of the Ukrainian market due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The company is actively exploring reserves in the Bole and Western regions to sustain production.
GMC also highlighted its strong community footprint, working with 17 host communities and implementing a 60:40 local employment policy that favours community res
idents. Skill acquisition programs have helped reduce tension and boosted local employability.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), GMC is constructing a 1.4-kilometre paved road at a cost of GHS14 million and has maintained employment levels without any layoffs, even in challenging times.
The Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ahmed Nantogmah encouraged the company to further integrate soft skills and talent development, particularly in lesser-known sports like swimming into its community programs.
The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to pushing for rail development, supporting GMC’s refinery project, and strengthening government-industry dialogue to ensure a sustainable and competitive mining sector.
“Infrastructure is critical to reducing the cost of doing business. We must act now to save our roads and position Ghana as a competitive mining destination,” said the Chamber’s CEO.