Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (3rd from right)
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reiterated the government’s full support for the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), vowing to work hand-in-hand with the Corporation to realize the country’s ambition of developing a fully integrated, world-class aluminium industry.
During a working visit to GIADEC’s offices in Accra on Thursday (10 April), the Minister assured management and staff of the Ministry’s readiness to help address longstanding challenges and accelerate progress on key projects.
He stressed that the government is deeply invested in transforming Ghana into a continental leader in aluminium production and is prepared to back the Corporation with the necessary political and institutional support.
“This government is committed to seeing these projects through,” Armah-Kofi Buah said. “We understand the hurdles and will be with you every step of the way—engaging the relevant institutions, facilitating decisions, and providing the support required to move forward.”
He emphasized the importance of securing reliable and affordable energy to power the aluminium industry, and highlighted the need to upgrade Ghana’s railway infrastructure to enable efficient transportation of bauxite and refined products across the country.
The Minister further assured GIADEC of the Ministry’s active support in seeking greater autonomy for the Corporation, especially in matters relating to bauxite mining and resource utilization. He also pledged to push for financial and administrative clearances necessary to advance critical infrastructure initiatives, particularly the development of integrated rail systems.
Addressing the staff, Hon. Buah recognized their dedication and essential contribution to GIADEC’s mandate. He assured them of the government’s willingness to advocate for better working conditions and remuneration, but also called on the workforce to uphold high standards of professionalism and commitment. “Ghana must rise to the occasion so that future generations benefit from the decisions we make today,” he said.
GIADEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, provided an in-depth overview of the Corporation’s vision and progress. He presented GIADEC’s Master Plan, which seeks to position Ghana as the first African nation to establish a fully integrated aluminium industry—covering every stage from mining to refining and smelting.
“Many African countries have bauxite resources, but none has successfully built an integrated aluminium value chain,” Mr. Ankrah explained. “Our goal is to make Ghana the first.”
He revealed that Ghana is home to an estimated 900 million tonnes of bauxite, located in three key deposits: Awaso, with 60 million tonnes; Kyebi, with 160 million tonnes; and Nyinahini, which holds the largest reserve at around 700 million tonnes. This vast resource base, he said, provides Ghana with a clear competitive edge.
Ankrah detailed the Corporation’s phased development strategy, which includes operating up to three mining concessions, building alumina refineries with a combined annual production capacity of 4 to 6 million tonnes, and establishing at least two aluminium smelters capable of producing a total of 700,000 tonnes annually. He noted that successful execution of this plan could inject up to $2 billion into Ghana’s GDP each year.
He also highlighted the modernization of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) as a cornerstone of the integrated value chain, ensuring that locally mined bauxite is processed domestically to maximize economic returns.
