Buah recalled that the vision of adding value to Ghana’s bauxite dates back to 1967
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) to lead the transformation of Ghana’s vast bauxite resources into a thriving and sustainable aluminium industry.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, where 10 board members were sworn in, the Minister described the responsibility placed on the board as both national and historic.
“Ghana is blessed with abundant bauxite resources, and your duty is to ensure these resources are converted into tangible economic benefits that will support industrial growth, create jobs, and strengthen our economy,” he stated.
Buah recalled that the vision of adding value to Ghana’s bauxite dates back to 1967 but has remained largely unrealised. He urged the board to provide strong leadership and clear direction.
“You must pursue a compelling vision, strengthen governance, and commit to strategic investments that will finally deliver a responsible and sustainable aluminium value chain for this country,” he said.
The Minister expressed concern that downstream aluminium industries currently utilise less than 20 percent of VALCO’s output, describing it as a major missed opportunity.
“It is unacceptable that after all these years, VALCO is still unable to meet the needs of the local market. By the end of your tenure, the Ghanaian market must be fully supplied,” he stressed.
He further called for the modernisation and expansion of the VALCO smelter to improve efficiency and increase capacity, while reminding the board of its critical oversight role.
In his acceptance remarks, Board Chairman Horace Nii Ayi Ankrah expressed gratitude 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 strong corporate governance and accountability.
