An Investor Selection Committee has been established by Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, to supervise the development of Ghana’s first alumina refinery and the revitalisation of Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO).
Established by the Ministry and the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation, the Committee will assess investor bids and suggest a strategic partner who can provide a cutting-edge and effective aluminium industry that advances Ghana’s national development objectives.
The refinery and the upgrading of VALCO were highlighted by Hon. Buah in his inaugural speech as two key initiatives of Ghana’s industrialisation plan, signifying the nation’s shift from an economy that exports raw materials to one that processes and adds value.
“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,” he said.
The Minister stated that Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was the original proponent of President John Dramani Mahama’s reset industrial program, which aims to unify Ghana’s aluminium value chain.
He called on members to work with honesty, openness, and a strong sense of national purpose, reminding the Committee that this is a technical and moral moment.
The Committee was given the responsibility by Hon. Buah to draw in the proper mix of investors who provide not just money but also technology, knowledge, and abilities that directly contribute to capacity building, job creation, and robust local involvement.
In order to ensure environmental responsibility and sustainable community development, he reiterated that the process will continue to be open, merit-based, and in line with national interests.
Mr. Augustus Agbeli Amegashie, the Chairman of the Committee, expressed confidence in Ghana’s leadership and industrial future by pointing out the increasing interest from foreign investors and promising thoroughness and devotion in fulfilling the task.
When the VALCO modernisation and alumina refinery projects are finished, Ghana will become a major producer of value-added aluminium in Africa, close the decades-long gap in the aluminium value chain, and generate thousands of employment.
With this renewal, the Ministry reaffirms its steadfast dedication to the vision of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and President John Dramani Mahama, a Ghana that uses industry, ethics, and innovation to turn its resources into enduring prosperity.
Source: newsthemegh.com