The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) has taken a major step towards modernising the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) and constructing a long-awaited alumina refinery, following the submission of an investor options analysis report to government.
An investor selection committee inaugurated in November 2025 by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, presented its report on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The 12-member committee was tasked with assessing proposals received by GIADEC for the strategic projects.
Speaking at the handover meeting, Mr Buah expressed gratitude to the committee for what he described as diligent and professional work, adding that he was confident the team had delivered a thorough and credible assessment.
The minister described the alumina refinery and the modernisation of VALCO as cornerstone projects within Ghana’s broader industrialisation agenda. He said the initiatives are designed to shift the country away from exporting raw bauxite towards local processing and value addition.
“These two projects are interdependent and mutually reinforcing,” Mr Buah said. He explained that the refinery would supply alumina to the smelter, while a revitalised VALCO would anchor downstream aluminium manufacturing.
According to the minister, the integrated approach is expected to stimulate industrial clusters supported by improved logistics, power supply, rail connectivity and port infrastructure, positioning aluminium as a key driver of Ghana’s industrial growth.