The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has dismissed reports suggesting that the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) will be sold, assuring workers and Ghanaians that the government remains committed to protecting the strategic state-owned company.
His comments follow concerns raised by the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana), which has protested reports that the government plans to sell a 70% stake in VALCO to a private investor.
Speaking on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the minister said the government would not allow negative public commentary or actions by a few individuals to undermine the future of the company.
“We are not going to allow a few people to derail the future of the VALCO that we all love. We can’t,” Buah stated.
He criticised what he described as persistent negative narratives surrounding VALCO, arguing that such comments create the impression that the company cannot be revived.
“Every day, we have a few people who go on radio and are so negative that somehow this place is not a place we can turn around,” he said.
The minister stressed VALCO’s importance to Ghana’s industrial development, describing the company as a key part of the country’s history and economic aspirations.
“This is the heart and soul of Ghana, if people don’t know. As all of us know, this is part of the history of our country,” he added.
Buah’s assurances are expected to ease concerns among workers, as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving VALCO and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
CREDIT: NANA ACHIAA ABOAGYE