Ghana possesses substantial natural resources, and salt is among them. In recent years, the salt mining sector at the Songor Lagoon in the Greater Accra Region has gained attention as an emerging business opportunity. The principal company driving this development is Electrochem Ghana Limited, a Ghanaian‑owned firm that manages a sizable concession at the Songor Lagoon.
Electrochem Ghana Limited secured a 15‑year lease to mine salt at the Songor Lagoon, a site that had long been underutilised. The company has invested in developing parts of the concession and in building infrastructure to support salt production. In 2023, the salt mining project was inaugurated by the President, marking a new stage in the commercial use of the resource.
The concession covers a large area of the Songor Lagoon and its surroundings. As part of its operations, Electrochem has undertaken programmes to involve residents. The company has distributed portions of the concession to local groups so that they can build and operate their own salt pans under an outgrower scheme. These local producers harvest salt and sell it to the company for processing and distribution.
In addition, Electrochem has provided community salt production pans to several communities around the lagoon at no cost. These facilities have allowed residents from places such as Nakomkope, Bonikope, Ajumanikope and Agbedrafor to participate in salt harvesting. As of early 2025, local miners were engaged in their third season of salt harvesting under this arrangement, and some community groups have used the income to support developments such as school renovations.
Electrochem has also paid royalties to the Minerals Commission of Ghana and related fees to local authorities as part of its lease obligations. These payments contribute to government revenue from the salt mining operation.
The emerging development of the salt industry at Songor Lagoon is attracting broader interest because a policy brief by IMANI Africa and other analysts has highlighted the potential for much higher production and revenue if investment and infrastructure expansion continue. Their analysis suggests that with larger production capacity, salt exports from Ghana could rise significantly over the next few years.
The Songor Lagoon salt project represents a shift from largely traditional artisanal salt harvesting to a more organised commercial industry. While challenges remain in balancing production with environmental concerns and community interests, the project has already created business opportunities for residents and contributed to government revenues.
