The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU), Ghana, has strongly opposed any purported plans to sell the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) to private investors.
According to ICU-Ghana, despite facing operational challenges over the years, the aluminium smelter has consistently rebounded and remains a prized national asset.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 14, the General Secretary of ICU-Ghana, Morgan Ayawine, expressed concern over what it described as persistent attempts by some persons to push for the sale of VALCO to private investors, warning that such investors may prioritise personal profit over Ghana’s long-term development.
“For the avoidance of doubt, ICU-Ghana, as a key and indispensable stakeholder, is vehemently opposed to any sale, concession, or arrangement that would deprive Ghana of sole ownership of VALCO, one of the nation’s most strategic and irreplaceable assets.
“We therefore demand that all those orchestrating the sale of VALCO immediately reconsider their actions and allow the Company to remain the bonafide property of the people of Ghana. Posterity will not forgive those who mortgage the nation’s future for short-term or personal interests,” the statement added.
It cited recent efforts by management to stabilise operations and expand capacity under the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) Project, adding that these initiatives demonstrate the company’s viability.
ICU-Ghana also condemned reports of plans to sell portions of VALCO’s lands to private individuals, describing such actions as a betrayal of public trust. According to the union, the lands are held in trust for future expansion of the company and should not be alienated.
“The proposed sale of portions of VALCO’s lands to private individuals is unconscionable and amounts to a grave betrayal of public trust. These lands are held in trust for the people of Ghana for future expansion and development of VALCO’s operations, and are therefore not transferable.”
