Aluminium has been identified as a strategic mineral by Governments worldwide in the drive towards the energy transition, and Ghana has huge opportunities for persons looking to invest in the downstream.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor stated this when he led a Ghanaian delegation to this year’s Bauxite and Alumina Conference held in Miami, Florida, in the United States of America on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

The conference was to promote Ghana’s Integrated Aluminium Industry, and to market Ghana’s policy to drive the processes of integration and value addition across the bauxite to aluminium value chain.

Mr. Jinapor indicated to the investor community that Ghana, with her open society, vibrant economy, resilient democratic institutions, respect for individual liberties and the rule of law, and where the principles of democratic accountability are ingrained into her body politic, is ready for business.

The engagement, according to Ghana’s Lands and Natural Resources Minister will help ensure that the efforts of the President, Nana Akufo-Addo which includes building an integrated aluminium industry with all the linkages to mining, smelting, refinery and downstream production, are realized.

“We are determined to work relentlessly to ensure that his vision comes into fruition”, he said.

For over eight (8) decades, Ghana has made several efforts to establish and maintain an integrated aluminium industry.

President Akufo-Addo, upon assumption of office in January 2017, resurrected this vision by establishing GIADEC through an Act of Parliament.

This move by the President, the Minister said is to ensure that bauxite mined in Ghana is refined in Ghana, thereby helping to develop the downstream industry to provide employment, enhanced talent development, and to transform the economy.

On his part, the CEO of GIADEC, Michael Ansah highlighted the need to utilize Ghana’s raw material base to ensure that the aluminium produced is used to drive the downstream industry which, in the end, will help the country realise the vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid.

He reaffirmed the commitment of GIADEC in meeting regulatory requirements in all developments along the bauxite and aluminium value chain; and safeguarding the environment for stakeholder communities and future generations.

On the sidelines of the bauxite and alumina conference were engagements with global giants in the Bauxite and Alumina Industry such as Trafigura Investment Company Ltd, with the view of attracting the much-needed investment capital in the industry.

Also present at the Conference were top diplomats, industry captains, Ministers of State including Guinea's Minister for Mines and Geology, Mr. Moussa Mogassouba.