The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, says the corporation is accelerating efforts to establish a fully integrated aluminium industry, positioning the sector as a key pillar of Ghana’s long-term industrial transformation and economic growth.

According to Twumasi Ankrah, GIADEC’s core mandate is to develop and promote an integrated aluminium value chain from bauxite mining through alumina refining to aluminium smelting and downstream manufacturing under a single, coordinated national strategy.

He explained that the corporation was established under Act 976 to manage the state’s interests across the entire aluminium value chain, while ensuring strong Ghanaian participation in strategic partnerships.

Twumasi Ankrah noted that the long-term vision is to position Ghana as Africa’s leading integrated aluminium producer through cost-efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible operations that deliver sustainable value to stakeholders.

GIADEC’s strategy is anchored on Ghana’s significant bauxite reserves, located mainly at Awaso, Nyinahin, and Kyebi.

These deposits collectively hold an estimated 920 million metric tonnes of bauxite resources, forming the backbone of the country’s planned integrated aluminium industry.

Under the integrated model, locally mined bauxite will feed domestic alumina refineries, which will in turn supply smelters such as VALCO.

The final stage will focus on downstream manufacturing through industrial parks to produce aluminium products for both local consumption and export under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Twumasi Ankrah disclosed that GIADEC is pursuing five key strategic priorities between 2025 and 2028.

These include activating large-scale bauxite extraction, developing railway and port infrastructure to support mineral transport, constructing alumina refineries through strategic partnerships, modernising and expanding VALCO and working with regulators to develop policies for the downstream aluminium sector.

A major focus is the Nyinahin deposit, where the corporation is targeting annual production of about 10 million tonnes using a contract mining model, once all regulatory approvals are secured.

He highlighted several milestones already achieved, including the acquisition of six mining leases covering Ghana’s known bauxite reserves. These leases are currently before Parliament for ratification.

GIADEC has also facilitated the construction of a 9-kilometre access road to support mining activities at Nyinahin.

In addition, two strategic investors have been selected to partner in the development of Ghana’s first alumina refineries, an initiative projected to attract about US$5 billion in investment and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Twumasi Ankrah further noted that plans are underway to modernise and expand VALCO, potentially increasing production capacity from 40,000 metric tonnes per annum to about 300,000 metric tonnes per annum within three years, while significantly expanding employment opportunities.

The GIADEC CEO revealed that the corporation has secured a US$60 million financing facility to support the commencement of commercial bauxite mining operations at Nyinahin, expected to begin by the end of 2026 to meet offtake obligations.

He added that GIADEC is collaborating with partners to develop Ghana’s first aluminium-focused industrial park in Tema, aimed at boosting downstream manufacturing and value addition.

Discussions are also ongoing with international partners to establish a rolling plant that will convert aluminium ingots into high-value finished products.

In addition, GIADEC is pursuing capacity-building initiatives for youth in mining communities through skills training programmes linked to the aluminium value chain.

To support the industry, GIADEC is working with partners to expand critical infrastructure, including railways, ports, and power supply systems, to ensure efficient mineral transport and reliable industrial operations.

Twumasi Ankrah emphasised that environmental protection and community engagement remain central to the corporation’s strategy, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.

Twumasi Ankrah reaffirmed GIADEC’s commitment to building a globally competitive aluminium industry that will generate jobs, stimulate industrialisation, deepen local participation in mining and manufacturing and create long-term economic value for Ghana.

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