The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, has called for transparency, prudent financial management and accountable leadership in the management of state-owned enterprises.
He made this call during a working visit to the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) last Friday in Tema, describing VALCO as a strategic national asset, resolving persistent energy supply challenges remains central to reviving operations.
According to the Minister, renewed productivity at the smelter will support national efforts to stabilise the economy and improve Ghana’s competitiveness on the continent.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the operational health, worker welfare, and long-term sustainability of the plant.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Robert Makila Sambian, provided details of the company’s operational progress under what he termed a reset agenda.
He said active pot lines cells have increased from about 114 at the time management took over to roughly 152, despite technical interruptions. Capacity utilisation, currently estimated at 23 per cent, was projected to rise to 40 per cent by 2027.
Dr Sambian disclosed that new retooling equipment would be fabricated overseas, with some consignments already on their way to Ghana, adding that Management expects to stabilise operations at around 150 active pots by the end of the year, leaving about 50 more to reach full restoration by 2027.
He also revealed that the plant had relied heavily on rented heavy-duty machinery for core operations when the current administration assumed office, a practice he said drained resources.
“Management has since acquired key equipment, including lift trucks, pay loaders, dump trucks, melting furnaces and centrifuge systems to cut long-term costs and improve efficiency.”
With production gradually increasing and new machinery arriving, company leadership says the groundwork has been laid for sustained recovery.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
