The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured staff of the MEST Foundry of government’s commitment to making the facility fully operational.
He gave the assurance during a working visit to the Foundry, describing it as a strategic national asset vital to Ghana’s industrial and technological growth. Mr Buah acknowledged concerns about delays and said government would not allow such an important facility to remain idle.
He noted that the Foundry, located within the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission enclave, must be protected and fully utilised to support manufacturing, skills development and innovation. He also promised to engage the Minister for Finance to secure funding to resolve outstanding technical challenges.
The Minister warned against encroachment on the facility, citing safety and security risks, and encouraged staff to remain committed as steps are taken to operationalise the Foundry.
Consultant Edwin Robert Phillips explained that the specialised equipment installed at the facility has remained unused for a long period, leading to expired warranties. He said the machines require certification by international commissioning engineers before they can be switched on, and efforts are underway to secure a new schedule for their inspection.
Story by: Sheila Otuo-Baffour