The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Honourable Ebi Bright, has assured workers and supporters of the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union of Ghana that their petition over the future of the Volta Aluminium Company will be forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama.
The assurance follows a demonstration by ICU Ghana in Tema on Monday, July 27, 2026, during which the union petitioned the government to protect VALCO from any proposed sale or ownership arrangement it believes could threaten the company’s future. Receiving the petition on behalf of the authorities, the Tema Mayor acknowledged the issues raised by the protesters and pledged to communicate their demands to the President and the government.
“I have heard all your grievances and I will ensure to carry them to the President. The government is a listening government and he will ensure that your grievances are heard.”
Honourable Ebi Bright
ICU Ghana argues that the aluminium company remains too important to be placed under an arrangement that could weaken Ghanaian control or put workers’ jobs at risk. The union believes the company’s future should be considered within the country’s long term industrialisation plans.
For the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, the presentation of the petition marked the formal transmission of the union’s demands to the government. The Mayor’s assurance has therefore shifted the next stage of the matter to the national level as workers await a response from the authorities.
The demonstration also highlighted the strong connection between VALCO and the Tema industrial enclave. For many workers and residents, the company represents an important part of the area’s industrial history and continues to be linked to employment and economic activity.
The union’s action has consequently placed pressure on the government to clarify its position on the company. While the administration has yet to announce a final decision on the matter, the petition calls for any future arrangement to protect the national interest and the livelihoods connected to VALCO.
Union Demands Job Protection As VALCO Ownership Debate Intensifies
The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union of Ghana renewed its demand for the protection of jobs at the Volta Aluminium Company as uncertainty over the company’s future continues to fuel debate. The union’s demonstration in Tema was driven by fears that changes to VALCO’s ownership or operational structure could affect workers and undermine the company’s role in Ghana’s industrial development.
ICU Ghana has challenged reports suggesting that the company could be sold and has called for greater clarity from the authorities. The union’s position follows claims by some VALCO workers that preparations were being made for a sale, allegations that the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation has rejected.
GIADEC has previously explained that discussions involve a possible co ownership arrangement with a private sector partner. The corporation’s position is that the proposed arrangement does not amount to an outright sale of VALCO.
The differing positions have created a dispute over the meaning and implications of any future partnership. While GIADEC points to collaboration with private investors, ICU Ghana wants the government to guarantee that the company’s strategic value and workers’ interests will remain protected.
General Secretary of ICU Ghana, Morgan Ayawine, linked the union’s action to a wider debate over the management of state assets. He argued that Ghana’s experience with the divestment of public enterprises required workers and citizens to scrutinise any proposal involving a major national company.
“Government after government has attempted to sell everything, and now they are at it again. They want to sell VALCO.”
Mr Morgan Ayawine
The union’s position is also shaped by the company’s place in Ghana’s industrial history. VALCO was established during the early years of the country’s industrial development and has remained associated with the vision of building a strong domestic manufacturing base.
For ICU Ghana, the debate is therefore linked directly to employment. The union argues that any decision affecting VALCO must account for the workers whose livelihoods depend on the company and the wider economic activity generated around its operations.
The disagreement has also placed GIADEC under scrutiny. The corporation is responsible for advancing Ghana’s integrated aluminium industry and has been involved in discussions about how VALCO can operate within a wider national aluminium value chain.
The proposed involvement of private capital has consequently become a key point of discussion. Supporters may view such an arrangement as a way to secure investment and strengthen operations, while organised labour continues to demand assurances over national ownership and employment.
The government now faces the task of addressing the competing positions surrounding the company. A clear explanation of the proposed ownership structure, the role of any private partner and the protections for workers could help settle some of the uncertainty.
Until then, ICU Ghana insists that the future of VALCO must remain a matter of national interest. The union has signalled that it will continue to defend the company’s workforce and press for decisions that preserve employment and Ghana’s industrial ambitions.
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