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) on Tuesday announced that exploratory survey at Pudo to ascertain the presence of iron ore has commenced.
Mr Santi announced this at Pudo during a visit by officials of GIISDEC to Pudo, which he indicated was aimed at engaging local stakeholders in Pudo to interact, gather accurate data and formally notify the community of planned exploration activities in line with national policy and international best practices.
The Deputy CEO said, the find represents a historic opportunity to harness Ghana’s mineral resources for national development while creating jobs and improving livelihoods in host communities.
He stressed that iron and steel form the backbone of industrialised economies, noting that Ghana’s vision to industrialise could not be realised without a strong and integrated iron and steel sector.
He also assured all that these activities would be carried out transparently and responsibly, with respect for the environment, community livelihoods and the authority of traditional leaders and landowners.
He said community members were key partners in the journey, and without their support and cooperation, nothing could be achieved.
Mr Abdulai Batia Santi, an indigene of the area, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his appointment to the GIISDEC leadership, where he pledged to ensure that resources discovered in Pudo translate into tangible benefits for the community and the wider region.
Pio Kwabalugu Emmanuel Ali IV, divisional chief of Kwapun expressed regret about the deplorable nature of the Sissala roads and called for action to address the problem.
He said beyond the bad roads, the area also faced serious challenges with basic social amenities such as school and a clinic.
He also appealed for the provision of pipe borne water to serve Pudo and surrounding communities to salvage the suffering of the people in search of potable water.
Mr Bening Adamu Yakubu, the Sissala East Municipal Chief Executive called for unity and cooperation for development.
The MCE highlighted the economic and developmental impact of the project and acknowledged the potential inconveniences such as relocation and land-related concerns and called for peaceful resolution of disputes.
He announced that the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) would be introduced in the Pudo community this year to benefit eligible residents.
Mr Issah Mohammed Bataglia, the Member of Parliament for the Sissala East Constituency expressed confidence that Ghana’s mining laws and local content policies would protect the community’s interests.
The MP appealed to chiefs, elders, and residents to maintain peace and create a welcoming environment for the exploration team.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Feb. 03, 2026
Picture caption: Mr Abdulia addressing the chiefs and people of Pudo and officials of GIISDEC
Group picture with stakeholders in the community
