The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) to spearhead the transformation of Ghana’s vast bauxite resources into a sustainable and thriving aluminium industry.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at which ten members of the board were sworn in, the Minister described the responsibility entrusted to the board as both national and historic, stressing the strategic importance of the aluminium value chain to Ghana’s industrial development.
“Ghana is endowed with abundant bauxite resources, and it is your duty to ensure these resources are converted into tangible economic benefits that will drive industrial growth, create jobs and strengthen the national economy,” Hon. Buah stated.
He recalled that Ghana’s ambition to add value to its bauxite dates back to 1967 but has largely remained unrealised, urging the board to provide decisive leadership and a clear strategic direction to reverse this trend.
“You must pursue a compelling vision, strengthen governance structures and commit to strategic investments that will finally deliver a responsible and sustainable aluminium value chain for this country,” the Minister said.
Hon. Buah expressed concern that downstream aluminium industries currently consume less than 20 per cent of VALCO’s output, describing the situation as a significant missed opportunity for local industrialisation.
“It is unacceptable that after all these years, VALCO is still unable to meet the needs of the domestic market. By the end of your tenure, the Ghanaian market must be fully supplied,” he stressed.
The Minister further called for the modernisation and expansion of the VALCO smelter to enhance efficiency and increase production capacity, while reminding the board of its critical oversight and governance responsibilities.
In his acceptance remarks, the Board Chairman, Mr. Horace Nii Ayi Ankrah, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the government for the confidence reposed in the board.
He assured management and staff of the board’s full support, pledging a commitment to strong corporate governance, transparency and accountability as VALCO works towards revitalising Ghana’s aluminium industry.
