Workers deserve a voice in VALCO equity deal - Union tells government

The Local Union of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) has accused the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, of attempting to intimidate workers over their opposition to the government’s proposed strategic investor arrangement involving the state-owned aluminium company.

The union said employees have a constitutional right to express concerns about the proposed transfer of a 70 percent stake in VALCO to Arch Holdings Limited and should not face threats of disciplinary action for speaking publicly.

In a statement released on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the union said the focus should be on addressing concerns raised by workers rather than discouraging public discussion.

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“Our concern is about the future of VALCO. We believe workers have every right to ask questions,” the statement said.

According to the union, comments allegedly made by the Minister during a meeting with management and staff suggested that workers who continue to speak against the proposed transaction could face sanctions under company policy.

The union described the reported remarks as worrying, arguing that they create the impression that dissenting views are being suppressed.

“If some people can speak in support of the deal without consequences, then those who disagree should also be allowed to speak freely,” the union stated.

The workers also questioned what they described as unequal treatment, claiming that individuals linked to the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) publicly defended the proposed investor arrangement before wider stakeholder consultations were completed.

“We believe the same rules should apply to everyone. There should not be one standard for supporters and another for critics,” the statement added.

Beyond the allegations of intimidation, the union renewed calls for greater transparency regarding the proposed equity arrangement.

The workers questioned how Arch Holdings Limited was selected as the preferred investor and called on the government to disclose the process used in arriving at the decision.

“We want transparency. Ghanaians deserve to know how this investor was chosen,” the union said.

The union maintained that describing the arrangement as a strategic partnership does not change the implications of transferring majority ownership of the company.

“A 70 percent stake means control changes hands. The name may change, but the reality remains the same,” the statement noted.

The workers further argued that they are not opposed to attracting private investment into VALCO but believe any agreement involving a strategic national asset must protect Ghana’s long-term interests.

“We support investment, but it must be the right investment for Ghana and for future generations,” the union stressed.

The release also questioned what it described as political inconsistency, asking whether the current administration’s position differs from its previous opposition to the sale or privatisation of state assets.

The union concluded by urging the government to engage stakeholders openly and address concerns through dialogue rather than intimidation.

“Leadership grows through truth, transparency and accountability. That is what Ghanaians expect from this process,” the statement ended.

ANAS/MA