The Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has inaugurated an Investor Selection Committee to oversee the revitalization of the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) and the development of the country’s first alumina refinery.
This strategic initiative aims to integrate Ghana’s aluminum value chain and position the nation as a leading producer of value-added aluminum in Africa.
“The refinery will feed the smelter, the smelter will anchor downstream aluminium manufacturing, and together they will drive new industrial clusters supported by logistics, power, rail, and port infrastructure. The goal is clear: we must move from mine and export to process, manufacture, and export.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
The newly established committee, set up under the Ministry and the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Development Corporation, will be responsible for evaluating investor proposals and recommending a strategic partner capable of delivering a modern and efficient aluminum industry that aligns with Ghana’s national development goals.
This is a critical step in the country’s transition from a raw material-exporting economy to one that processes and adds value to its resources.
Ghana’s Industrialization Agenda
In his inaugural address, the minister described the alumina refinery and the VALCO modernization as “two cornerstone projects of Ghana’s industrialization agenda.”
He further emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, “The refinery will feed the smelter, the smelter will anchor downstream aluminum manufacturing, and together they will drive new industrial clusters supported by logistics, power, rail, and port infrastructure.”
Hon. Kofi-Buah remined the Committee that the vision aligns with the reset industrial agenda championed by President John Dramani Mahama, which seeks to integrate Ghana’s aluminum value chain – a goal first envisioned by the visionary leader, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Hon. Buah tasked the Investor Selection Committee with the responsibility of attracting the right blend of investors who not only bring capital but also the necessary technology, expertise, and skills to translate directly into job creation, capacity building, and strong local participation.
He also reminded the Committee that this moment is both technical and moral, calling on members to work with integrity, transparency, and a deep sense of national purpose.
Transparency and Sustainability
The Minister reaffirmed that the investor selection process will remain transparent, merit-based, and aligned with national interests, ensuring environmental responsibility and sustainable community development.
This commitment to transparency and sustainability is crucial in building trust and securing the long-term success of these transformative projects.
VALCO’s Role in Ghana’s Economic Growth
The Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) has been a critical player in Ghana’s economic landscape for decades.
Being the country’s sole aluminum smelter, VALCO has been a significant contributor to the nation’s industrial development and export earnings.
However, the modernization of VALCO and the establishment of an alumina refinery mark a new chapter in Ghana’s aluminum industry, one that promises to unlock greater economic potential and solidify the country’s position as a regional leader in value-added aluminum production.
With the inauguration of the Investor Selection Committee, Ghana has taken a significant stride towards realizing its vision of a thriving, integrated aluminum industry.
While the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources oversees this transformative process, the nation’s unwavering dedication to integrity, innovation, and sustainable development will be the guiding principles that pave the way for a prosperous aluminum-driven industrial future.
