President Akufo-Addo has called for concerted efforts in establishing a vibrant Aluminium industry that will process raw bauxite into aluminium products.
He noted that Ghana cannot continue exporting raw materials if it wants to accelerate her industrial development and put the economy on the path of growth.
President Akufo-Addo stated this at the Jubilee House when he inaugurated a ten member Board of Directors of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation.
The Corporation, which is under the office of the President, is chaired by former AGI President, Dr Oteng Gyasi.
The journey to create an aluminum industry in Ghana started in 1948 through the establishment of Volta Aluminium Company, VALCO.
In order to guarantee a reliable and competitive power supply for the aluminium smelter, the government in 1961 built the Akosombo dam. And it was expected that the ‘Kaiser Aluminium Company’ will explore the country’s bauxite resources to serve as smelter for VALCO. But this did not materialize.
Valco rather depended on Bauxite from other countries for its aluminium products. Ghana is yet to develop the full value chain of its Bauxite resources.
Mined bauxite in the country is exported in its raw state. It is for this reason that the government has established the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation to strengthen an Integrated Aluminium Industry.
Swearing in the Board members at the Jubilee House in Accra, President Akufo Addo noted that as part of the Syno Hydro two billion dollar deal, Ghana will supply aluminium products as payment in return for two billion dollars worth of infrastructure.
He was hopeful that the Board will deliver on its mandate.
The Chairman of the Board, Tony Oteng Gyasi thanked the President for the confidence reposed in them.
Members of the Board include Addae Antwi-Bosiako, Humphrey Ayim, Michael Ansah, Dr. Henry Benyah, Dr Benjamin Ofosu Addo, Patrick Bogyako-Siaime, Nana Dokuaa, Benito Owusu Bio, Mrs. Abena Osei Asare, and Nana Amampene Boateng Twum.
