By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Ada, Dec. 19, GNA - Nene Lomo IV, Divisional Chief of the Lomobiawer Clan in the Ada Traditional Area, has reiterated that Africa is a permanent global development hub that needs to be invested in for global partnership and benefit.
The chief noted that Africa’s worth goes beyond the physical wealth of lands, stating that it lied in the vibrant cultures, indomitable spirit, and the legacies carried by Africans.
“From the intricate beadwork of the Krobo people to the soul-stirring rhythms of Afrobeat, our traditions inspire the world. Through our oral histories, we preserve ancient wisdom, passing it down to new generations as a guide for the future,” he emphasised.
The Divisional Chief said this when delivering a speech on “Investment Opportunities in Africa and Climate Change” at the just-ended Africa’s Brain Bank Fifth Annual Summit and Charity Ball, 2024, at the Lagos Continental Hotel in Nigeria.
“Allow me to bring you to my home, Ghana, and specifically, my beloved Lomobiawer Kingdom in the Ada State. Here, development opportunities abound, spanning over 67,000 acres of land. Imagine an industrial valley, flourishing farmlands, poultry, and livestock enterprises, educational and sports complexes, private cemeteries, hospitals, real estate ventures, and our crown jewel-salt production,” he stated.
Describing the salt deposit in Ada as white gold, the chief noted that salt has over 14,000 applications, touching every aspect of life.
According to him, the Songor Lagoon was a natural wonder home to vast reserves of salt as a resource, adding that through the partnership between the Ada community and Electrochem Ghana Limited, a salt-producing company, the salt is being produced at an exceptional purity of 99.9 per cent, approved by the Ghana Standards Authority.
“This endeavour, operating on a 41,000-acre concession, is not just a business; it is a transformation, unlocking the potential of this resource for economic empowerment. I extend a heartfelt invitation to all present to explore opportunities for partnership in this venture and beyond. Together, through collaboration and shared vision, we can turn Africa’s potential into tangible progress,” he emphasised.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the programme, Nene Lomo disclosed that African businesses must be protected and not fought against.
He explained that this will help Africa to rise beyond the vulnerable status that has been made to be believed.
He called on African governments to protect the businesses of Africans just like they do businesses brought in by persons from other continents.
“If we can protect our businessmen, the perception that Africans are poor and beggars will fade out, and Africa will rather become the food basket and a developmental hub for the global community,” he noted.
He called on investors globally to invest in Africa’s future, not as benefactors alone, but as partners in development.
GNA