President Akufo-Addo has inaugurated an 11-member board for the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) to ensure the development of a vibrant aluminum industry in Ghana.
Administering the oath of office and secrecy to members of the board at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo said, “The time has come to make a concerted effort not only to bring the raw materials into play, but to establish the full value chain of the product so we can have a vibrant aluminum industry in Ghana.”
According to him, the journey to create an aluminum industry in Ghana began in 1948 through the establishment of the VALCO Aluminum Company.
“Kaiser Aluminum made an investment together with the government of our first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1961, resulting in the building of the Akosombo Dam. It was intended that Kaiser, subsequent to the construction of the dam, will exploit the country’s bauxite resources to serve as feedstock for smelters at VALCO. But this was never the case.”
He said, “Ghana cannot, in the modern era, stumble twice on our journey of giving value to our significant natural resources of bauxite and, thereby, accelerating our industrial development and transformation.”
The board, which is chaired by Dr. Oteng Gyasi, includes Michael Ansah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Corporation; Addae Antwi-Bosiako, representative of the Minerals Commission; Humphrey Ayim Darke, representative of the Association of Ghana Industries; Dr. Henry Benyah and Dr. Benjamin Ofosu Addo, both representatives of the Integrated Aluminum Industry; Patrick Bogyako-Siaime, Member of Parliament (MP) for Amenfi East and Benito Owusu Bio, representatives of the Ministry of Lands/Natural Resources; Abena Osei Asare, representative of the Ministry of Finance, Nana Dokuaa and Nana Amampene Boateng Twum Il.
Dr. Oteng Gyasi, in a remark, said members were aware of the president’s intention to industrialise the country through the integrated aluminum industry.
“It is not for us to make promises, it for our work to speak for itself. We will do our best to realise the dream, vision and mandate you have given us.”
President Akufo-Addo assented to the Ghana Integrated Aluminum Corporation Act, 2018, on August 30, 2018.
With the act in place, the GIADEC is expected to promote and develop an integrated aluminum industry to help the country supply aluminum products to pay for $2 billion worth of projects under the Sinohydro deal.
By Melvin Tarlue