The management of VALCO received the newly appointed Board of Directors for a courtesy visit and comprehensive familiarization tour of the Company’s operational areas. The visit formed part of the Board’s initial engagements aimed at gaining first-hand insight into VALCO’s production processes, operational challenges, and strategic priorities.
The engagement provided an opportunity for direct interaction between the Board, Management, and staff, reinforcing a shared commitment to strong governance, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Tour of Key Operational Departments
The tour commenced at the Carbon Department, where Management briefed the Board on anode production processes, quality control systems, and ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reliability. The Board was taken through the critical role of carbon operations in supporting stable potroom performance.
The delegation then proceeded to the Cell Lines Department, where Board members observed electrolytic cell operations and received detailed explanations on power utilization, safety protocols, cell stability, and productivity improvement initiatives. Discussions focused on sustaining output while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.
At the Cast House Department, the Board was briefed on molten aluminium handling, casting processes, product specifications, and quality assurance measures. Management highlighted how Cast House operations align with market requirements and customer expectations.
One of the key projects highlighted under the Cast House operations is the Continuous Cast Rod (CCR) project, which marks the start of VALCO’s downstream value-addition chain. The CCR initiative is expected to catalyze significant industrial activity, supporting an estimated 25,000+ direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, logistics, and allied services, while contributing approximately US$1 billion to Ghana’s GDP (about 1%) through expanded aluminium-based industries. This strategic shift positions VALCO not only as a producer of primary aluminium but as a driver of broader industrial development and economic transformation.
Engagement with Management and the Media
Addressing the media, the Chief Executive Officer emphasized the importance of the Board’s visit, noting that the familiarization tour demonstrates Management’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment.
According to the Chief Executive Officer, the Company’s short-term strategy rests on four key projects:
- Ramping up production to fully utilise two potlines (200 cells).
- Value addition, moving beyond exporting primary aluminium.
- Converting from residual fuel oil to natural gas to reduce costs.
- Installing scrubbers to capture and re-use fluoride, improving environmental sustainability.
The centrepiece of this initial phase is the newly installed value-added production line, which has begun test-producing electrical conductor-grade rods.
For the first time since its establishment in the 1960s, VALCO will not just export raw aluminium but manufacture finished products.
Samples have already been sent to Europe for testing, after which His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama will be invited to officially open the facility.
He reaffirmed Management’s focus on operational stability, safety, sustainability, and value creation in support of Ghana’s Integrated Aluminium Industry.
The Board Chairman, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and comprehensive briefings provided by Management. He noted that the visit has equipped the Board with a clearer understanding of VALCO’s operations, challenges, and opportunities.
Strengthening Governance and Strategic Direction
The familiarization tour enabled open and constructive discussions between the Board and Management on operational realities, investment priorities, and the Company’s long-term strategic direction.
Board members commended the dedication of staff across departments and reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively with Management to enhance productivity, strengthen safety performance, and deliver sustainable value for all stakeholders.