Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment for the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) to lead Ghana’s industrialisation drive.
He pledged the Ministry’s determination to work collaboratively with GIADEC to realising Ghana’s vision of building a world-class integrated aluminium industry.
Mr Buah gave the assurance during his maiden working visit to GIADEC head office in Accra on Thursday
The Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in the sector.
Mr Buah promised the Ministry’s determination to facilitate strategic decisions that would position Ghana as a continental leader in aluminum production.
“This government is committed to seeing these projects through,” Mr Buah declared.
“We are fully aware of the challenges facing GIADEC, and I assure you that we will walk every step with you by engaging all the relevant institutions to provide you support.”
Mr Buah stressed the need for reliable and affordable power supply, underscoring the need for comprehensive development of Ghana’s railway network to streamline the transportation of raw materials and refined products.
He assured GIADEC of the Ministry’s full backing including efforts to secure autonomy for the Corporation to mine bauxite and their utilisation.
The Minister also pledged to push for financial clearance to support GIADEC’s infrastructure projects, such as railway development.
During the open forum, Mr Buah acknowledged the pivotal role of GIADEC towards industrial transformation of the nation and promised to advocate better remunerations for workers.
He urged the workforce to demonstrate equal commitment and excellence to justify any investments.
“Ghana must rise to the occasion so that the future generations will benefit from the decisions we make today,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of GIADEC, Mr. Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, provided a detailed overview of the Corporation’s operations, achievements, and challenges.
He introduced GIADEC’s Master Plan, which aims to make Ghana the first African country to establish a fully Integrated Aluminum Industry.
“While several African nations have bauxite deposits, none has achieved full integration of the aluminum value chain. Our goal is to make Ghana the first,” Mr. Ankrah stated.
He stated that Ghana possessed an estimated 900 million tonnes of bauxite across three key deposits at Awaso (60 million tonnes), Nyinahini (700 million tonnes), and Kyebi (160 million tonnes), giving the country a significant competitive advantage.
Mr. Ankrah outlined GIADEC’s development plan, including operating up to three mining concessions, establishing refineries with a combined alumina production capacity of four to six million tonnes, and construct at least two aluminum smelters with a total output of 700,000 tonnes annually.
“Achieving this vision could add up to $2 billion annually to Ghana’s GDP,” he added.
He also emphasised the modernisation of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) to enhance local bauxite processing.
GNA
