The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has given further clarification to the announcement he made last week about Ghana’s decision to apply for BRICS membership.
In an exclusive interview granted on Key Points, a Saturday morning TV Talk Show on TV3, on 10th October, 2026, the Minister clarified that, Ghana intends to apply as a Partner Country.
According to the Minister, Ghana already enjoins excellent relations with the BRICS member countries. Therefore, she will be joining natural allies in a bloc that arguably is the largest trading bloc today. He stressed that at the heart of the decision is the desire to seek the national interest first, as enshrined in Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
He also stated that, BRICS brings together eleven major emerging markets and developing countries of the world: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates. It will therefore serve as a useful platform for consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues having global, as well as regional significance, and issues of global political and economic governance.
The Minister also dispelled fears that this decision will affect Ghana’s relations with its traditional partner countries who have ideological differences with the BRICS member countries.
He explained that, on the contrary, the decision affirms Ghana’s policy of non-alignment, which enabled President Kwame Nkrumah, at the height of the Cold War, to navigate the terrain to secure the support of the United States to build the Akosombo Dam, while at the same time getting the then Soviet Union (Russia) to launch Africa’s pioneering atomic energy programme, the Ghana Nuclear Reactor Project (GNRP).
Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa further disclosed that, prior to the announcement, there was some engagement with the European Union Member States, and Ghana was clear in communicating the rationale for its decision, which was within its right to diversify its strategic options for development, and that, it did not mean Ghana seeks to disengage with them.
History BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) was formalised at the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, in 2006. The inaugural BRIC Summit was convened in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.
It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York, in 2010. Accordingly, South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya in 2011.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE became full member of BRICS from January 2024 and Indonesia in January 2025.
Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam joined BRICS as Partner Countries in 2025. Ghana will therefore become part of these countries, in terms of status, if her bid succeeds.
FEC sets 5ft x 8ft limit, restricts displays to party offices and election grounds; aspirants given five days to comply or face sanctions
Story: Seth Addi
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed all members and aspirants participating in the party’s ongoing reorganisation to remove or resize oversized campaign posters and banners, setting a maximum permitted dimension of five feet by eight feet.
The directive, issued following an FEC meeting held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, seeks to enforce discipline, maintain order and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants contesting positions in the party’s internal elections.
Under the new rules, campaign posters and banners must not exceed 5ft in width and 8ft in height. The committee has also restricted the display of campaign materials to designated locations, namely constituency offices, regional offices and election grounds.
The directive, signed by the NDC’s General Secretary, Hon. Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, gives all members and aspirants whose campaign materials do not comply with the new requirements five days, beginning the day after the announcement, to make the necessary adjustments.
The committee has warned that any deliberate refusal to comply will attract appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the party’s constitution, electoral guidelines and other applicable rules.
FEC CITES MODESTY AND DISCIPLINE
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the FEC expressed concern over the mounting of oversized campaign posters and banners at various locations across the country during the ongoing reorganisation exercise.
The committee said its decision was informed by the need to preserve order and discipline within the party while ensuring that all aspirants compete under fair conditions.
It further stressed that the NDC, as the governing party, has a responsibility to lead by example through modesty and restraint.
According to the committee, excessive campaign displays could create an impression of extravagance that conflicts with the party’s stated values and the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
The directive therefore seeks to regulate campaign publicity without discouraging members and aspirants from actively participating in the party’s internal democratic processes.
FIVE-DAY DEADLINE FOR COMPLIANCE
The five-day grace period places the responsibility on aspirants and their supporters to ensure that all campaign materials comply with the prescribed dimensions and location restrictions.
Posters and banners displayed outside the approved locations must also be addressed in accordance with the directive.
The FEC expressed confidence that members and aspirants would cooperate fully, acknowledging their enthusiasm and commitment to the party while emphasising the importance of adherence to established rules.
However, the warning of disciplinary action signals that the committee intends to enforce the new requirements against those who deliberately disregard them.
The directive comes as the NDC continues its internal reorganisation, during which aspirants are seeking to build support and position themselves for various party offices.
The extent to which the new restrictions will affect campaign activities across constituencies and regions remains to be seen.
For now, the message from the Functional Executive Committee is clear: campaign enthusiasm must be balanced with discipline, modesty and respect for the party’s electoral guidelines.
Ghana is set to formally apply for membership of the BRICS grouping of major emerging economies, following Cabinet approval of the decision, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.
The move, if successfully completed, would mark a significant development in Ghana’s foreign-policy and economic diplomacy, potentially opening another platform through which the country can deepen relations with major economies across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
According to Minister Ablakwa, the decision forms part of Ghana’s broader efforts to increase the country’s geopolitical and economic influence on the global stage.
The announcement comes as Ghana continues to pursue a more diversified foreign-policy strategy, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identifying economic diplomacy, international cooperation and participation in multilateral organisations as important instruments for national development.
CABINET GIVES GREEN LIGHT
Mr Ablakwa disclosed that Cabinet has approved Ghana’s decision to join the BRICS bloc and that the country will proceed with the formal application process.
The announcement places Ghana among a growing number of countries seeking closer engagement with the grouping, which has expanded considerably beyond its original five-member configuration.
BRICS originally brought together Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining later. The grouping has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
The expansion reflects BRICS’ growing role as a platform for cooperation among emerging and developing economies.
A NEW DIRECTION FOR GHANA’S ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY
For Ghana, the proposed membership would potentially create additional avenues for economic and diplomatic engagement with some of the world’s major emerging markets.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has identified economic diplomacy as one of Ghana’s foreign-policy objectives, including efforts to diversify the country’s export base, seek new markets for Ghanaian products, attract investment and take advantage of preferential arrangements and multilateral trade agreements.
Membership of BRICS could therefore provide another framework through which Ghana could pursue those objectives.
It could also create opportunities for discussions around trade, investment, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, finance and other areas of economic cooperation.
However, the precise benefits Ghana would obtain would depend on the terms and conditions of membership and the outcome of the application process.
BRICS HAS GROWN BEYOND ITS ORIGINAL FIVE
The proposed Ghanaian application comes against the background of a major transformation of BRICS.
What began as a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China has evolved into a much broader coalition. South Africa joined in 2011, while the expansion agreed in 2023 brought Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates into the grouping. Indonesia subsequently accepted an invitation to join.
BRICS also created a Partner Country category in 2024. According to official BRICS documentation, countries granted partner status in 2025 included Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan, with Vietnam also listed in subsequent BRICS documentation.
Ghana’s planned application therefore comes at a time when BRICS is increasingly engaging with countries outside its core membership.
GHANA’S GLOBAL DIPLOMATIC PUSH
The BRICS announcement is consistent with a series of diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Ghana under the Mahama administration.
Ghana has recently intensified bilateral and multilateral engagements with countries and international organisations, including political consultations with the Kyrgyz Republic covering trade, investment, agriculture, mining, digital transformation, education, healthcare and other areas. Three memoranda of understanding were signed during those consultations.
The country has also been positioning itself for an enhanced role within the African Union, ahead of President John Dramani Mahama’s planned chairmanship of the AU in 2027. The Foreign Ministry says Ghana’s priorities include regional integration, trade, youth development, peace and security and greater African ownership of continental programmes.
Against this backdrop, the proposed BRICS application adds another dimension to Ghana’s efforts to expand its diplomatic and economic partnerships.
WHAT MEMBERSHIP COULD MEAN FOR GHANA
A successful application could potentially strengthen Ghana’s access to a wider network of emerging-market economies and provide an additional diplomatic platform for advancing national interests.
For Ghanaian businesses, greater engagement with BRICS economies could potentially support efforts to identify new export markets, investment partners and sources of technology and industrial cooperation.
The country could also seek stronger cooperation in sectors such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and digital technology.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry’s stated economic-diplomacy objective is to attract foreign direct investment and expand markets for Ghanaian products, making international economic partnerships an important component of Ghana’s foreign-policy agenda.
FROM DIPLOMACY TO DEVELOPMENT
The announcement also places renewed focus on how Ghana can translate international relationships into tangible domestic economic opportunities.
Ghana remains heavily dependent on international trade and investment, while its development agenda requires increased access to capital, technology, markets and productive partnerships.
The BRICS initiative could consequently be viewed within the wider effort to position Ghana as a more active participant in global economic diplomacy.
The country’s diplomatic engagement with major economies has also increasingly focused on practical cooperation rather than political relations alone.
NEXT STEP: FORMAL APPLICATION
With Cabinet approval now announced, attention will turn to the formal application and the subsequent processes required for Ghana’s participation.
BRICS operates through consensus among its members, and the group’s current structure includes both full members and partner countries.
Ghana’s application would therefore need to go through the established BRICS processes before any final membership status is determined.
For the Mahama administration, however, the announcement signals an intention to deepen Ghana’s engagement with emerging powers and broaden the country’s diplomatic and economic options.
As Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa puts it, the objective is to strengthen Ghana’s geopolitical and economic influence on the global stage.
The proposed BRICS application could thus become a significant new chapter in Ghana’s foreign policy, with the coming months expected to reveal how the initiative translates into concrete diplomatic, trade and investment opportunities for the country.
Evening Tribune calls for clarity as former MP says he presented 30 letters on behalf of President Mahama; demands merit-based security recruitment.
Story: Seth Addi
The Evening Tribune has raised serious concerns over a recent social media post by former Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency, Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, announcing the distribution of appointment letters to young people selected for admission into the Ghana Police Academy.
According to the former MP in a Facebook post sighted by the Evening Tribune, he had the honour of distributing 30 appointment letters to beneficiaries from the Damongo Constituency on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.
He indicated that 20 of the beneficiaries were from Damongo, while 10 were from Busunu, and congratulated them on their selection while wishing them success in their journey of national service.
While congratulating the successful applicants, the Evening Tribune believes the circumstances surrounding the political presentation of appointment letters to recruits into a national security institution deserve urgent public scrutiny and clarification.
WHO SHOULD PRESENT SECURITY APPOINTMENTS?
The newspaper is particularly concerned about the precedent created when a former political officeholder publicly presents appointment letters to recruits into the security services and attributes the exercise directly to the President.
The issue raises important questions about the independence, transparency and credibility of recruitment into Ghana’s security agencies.
For years, citizens have expressed concerns about the need for recruitment into the Police Service and other security institutions to be based strictly on merit, competence, transparent procedures and equal opportunity, rather than political connections, social status or constituency considerations.
The Evening Tribune therefore believes that every aspect of the recruitment process must be sufficiently transparent to assure the public that successful applicants were selected through established and objective procedures.
POLITICS AND SECURITY RECRUITMENT
The newspaper is not questioning the qualifications or competence of the young people who have reportedly been selected. Neither is it suggesting that their selection was politically influenced.
Rather, the concern is about the appearance and perception created when political actors become publicly associated with the distribution of appointment letters for security-service recruitment.
Security institutions occupy a unique position in the governance of the country. Their personnel are expected to serve the Republic and its citizens without political bias.
Consequently, the recruitment process must inspire confidence among all Ghanaians, regardless of their political affiliation, constituency or social background.
CALL ON PRESIDENT MAHAMA
The Evening Tribune therefore calls on President John Dramani Mahama to take a critical look at the development and, where necessary, provide clarification on the proper procedure for the presentation and distribution of appointment letters to new recruits into the security services.
The newspaper also urges the relevant security-service authorities to ensure that recruitment remains transparent, merit-based and free from political considerations.
Ghana’s democracy and national security institutions can only become stronger when citizens have confidence that opportunities within the security services are available to all qualified Ghanaians on an equal basis.
The Evening Tribune maintains that political leaders may celebrate the success of constituents, but the recruitment process itself must remain above partisan politics.
Serbian President Vučić extends special invitation — Ablakwa engages Serbian Ambassador on preparations
ACCRA, AUGUST 28, 2026: President John Dramani Mahama is set to attend the 65th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Belgrade, Serbia, following a special invitation extended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
The landmark gathering is scheduled for August 31 to September 1, 2026, in Belgrade — the historic birthplace of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The development assumes particular diplomatic significance for Ghana, as the country’s founder, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was among the visionary leaders who played a foundational role in establishing the movement.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed the development after holding what he described as a fruitful meeting with the Serbian Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Milutin Stanojevic, during which preparations for the extraordinary summit were discussed.
GHANA’S HISTORIC ROLE
According to the Foreign Minister, President Mahama will attend the anniversary celebrations as Special Guest of Honour, reflecting Ghana’s historic contribution to the Non-Aligned Movement.
The NAM was formally established in Belgrade on September 1, 1961, in the then Yugoslavia, bringing together newly independent and developing nations seeking an independent path in international affairs during the Cold War.
Among the prominent founding leaders were Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indonesian President Sukarno.
NKURMAH’S LEGACY LIVES ON
Minister Ablakwa noted that, 65 years after the movement’s establishment, its foundational principles remain highly relevant to the contemporary international system.
He highlighted the principles of respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in domestic affairs, equality, nuclear disarmament and peaceful coexistence as ideals that continue to be needed in today’s world.
The Minister stressed that Ghana remains committed to preserving and upholding the principles of Non-Alignment as championed by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“WE FACE FORWARD”
In underscoring Ghana’s enduring commitment to the philosophy of Non-Alignment, the Foreign Minister recalled one of Dr. Nkrumah’s most enduring declarations:
“We face neither East nor West; We face forward.”
The statement, which became synonymous with Ghana’s independent foreign policy outlook under Nkrumah, continues to resonate with the country’s approach to international diplomacy.
DIPLOMATIC SIGNIFICANCE
President Mahama’s participation in the Belgrade commemoration is expected to provide Ghana with an important platform to reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism, sovereignty, peaceful coexistence and international cooperation.
It will also provide an opportunity for Ghana to reconnect with the historical foundations of a movement in which the country played a significant role from its inception.
For Ghana, the 65th anniversary is therefore not merely a commemoration of an international organisation’s history, but also a reaffirmation of the country’s place in the diplomatic tradition established by its first President and founding leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“Ghana will continue to cherish, hold dear and diligently abide by the enduring principles of Non-Alignment as espoused by our founder, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,” Minister Ablakwa affirmed.
AmbassadorNamoale takes Ghana’s human rights campaign to Santiago
By Seth Addi
Ghana has intensified its diplomatic campaign to secure international support for its bid to continue contributing to the work of the United Nations Human Rights Council, with Ambassador to Brazil, H.E. Nii Amasah Namoale, Esq., engaging Chile on the country’s re-election bid.
Ambassador Namoale paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of Chile, H.E. Issa Kort, in Brasília, where the two diplomats discussed Ghana’s human rights record, multilateral cooperation and the need for stronger collaboration between the two countries.
The engagement formed part of Ghana’s broader diplomatic outreach aimed at rallying support for its continued presence on the UN Human Rights Council.
During the meeting, Ambassador Namoale highlighted Ghana’s longstanding commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, democratic governance, the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
He stressed Ghana’s position that the Human Rights Council must remain a credible, effective and impartial platform for advancing universal human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Ambassador Namoale subsequently appealed to Chile to support Ghana’s re-election, while emphasising the importance of sustained cooperation between Ghana and Chile within the multilateral system.
Deepening Ghana-Chile relations
Beyond the immediate objective of Ghana’s Human Rights Council campaign, the diplomatic engagement provided an opportunity for both sides to reinforce the cordial relations between Ghana and Chile.
The two countries also explored prospects for deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly within international institutions where coordinated positions can contribute to addressing emerging global challenges.
Ambassador Namoale’s outreach underscores Ghana’s determination to strengthen its voice within the international human-rights architecture and maintain an active role in shaping global responses to human-rights concerns.
Ghana’s campaign is anchored on the country’s belief that respect for human dignity, democratic values, peaceful cooperation and multilateral diplomacy must remain central to international relations.
The engagement with Chile therefore represents another step in Ghana’s efforts to build international consensus around its Human Rights Council ambitions and reaffirm its commitment to the protection of fundamental freedoms across the world.
Ghana’s message
Ghana’s diplomatic message remains clear: principled diplomacy, respect for human dignity and multilateral cooperation will continue to guide the country’s engagement with the international community.
The outreach to Chile is expected to further strengthen Ghana’s diplomatic ties in Latin America while advancing its broader campaign for continued participation in the UN Human Rights Council.
—President shakes up Government, Labour Ministry gets new boss
Story: Seth Addi
President John Dramani Mahama has effected fresh changes to his government, with Hon. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo and Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi receiving new assignments in a move that has triggered widespread political interest.
The changes, announced by the Presidency yesterday, see Hon. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo moved from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Job Creation to serve as Minister of State for Special Initiatives.
His position as Minister for Labour, Employment and Job Creation will now be occupied by Hon. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum.
In another major change, Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, has been reassigned to the Presidency as Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness.
The two reassignments take immediate effect, according to a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, MP, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
PELPUO MOVED FROM LABOUR MINISTRY
The reassignment of Hon. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo represents a significant change in the composition of President Mahama’s ministerial team.
Mr Pelpuo, who had been responsible for the Labour, Employment and Job Creation portfolio, will now take charge of Special Initiatives as a Minister of State.
His replacement, Hon. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, is expected to assume responsibility for the government’s programmes and policies relating to labour, employment and job creation.
The Presidency gave no specific reasons for the reassignment of the two ministers.
BROGYA GENFI OUT OF DEFENCE
Also attracting attention is the movement of Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi from the Defence Ministry.
The former Deputy Minister for Defence has been reassigned as Presidential Advisor on National Resilience and Emergency Preparedness.
His new role places him directly within the Presidency, where he is expected to advise on issues concerning national resilience and the country’s preparedness and response to emergencies.
MAHAMA CONTINUES GOVERNMENT RESTRUCTURING
The latest changes come as President Mahama continues to adjust his administration and deploy members of his government to positions he considers strategically important.
Although the Presidency described the decisions as “reassignments,” the movement of Pelpuo from a substantive sector ministry and Brogya Genfi from the Defence Ministry is likely to fuel discussions within political circles over the President’s evolving governmental structure.
The Presidency, however, provided no further explanation beyond announcing the changes.
The new appointments and reassignments are effective immediately.
Chairman hopeful promises party-owned events centre, stronger welfare system for members
A leading aspirant for the Chairmanship of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) UK/Ireland Chapter, Mr David Kwao, has made an ambitious commitment to secure a permanent edifice for the chapter if elected to lead the party.
Mr Kwao says the proposed party-owned facility will serve as a meeting, conference and events centre for the NDC, while also generating sustainable income for the chapter through commercial rentals.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on MyView Show, aired on TodayGhanaNews TV on Monday, the chairman hopeful said acquiring a permanent property for the chapter would be one of the key priorities of his administration.
According to him, the project would provide the NDC UK/Ireland Chapter with a permanent home for its activities and reduce the party’s reliance on hired venues for meetings, conferences and other programmes.
‘WE WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN’
Mr Kwao expressed confidence that, working with elected executives and party members, his administration would lay the foundation and ensure that the long-standing vision of owning an NDC edifice in the UK becomes a reality before the end of his tenure.
He said the proposed facility could also be made available to event organisers for conferences, social gatherings and other programmes, creating a revenue-generating asset for the party.
“This is a vision that, together with the elected executives, we will work to make a reality before our tenure comes to an end,” he said.
He believes that owning a property would not only give the chapter a stronger institutional identity but also provide a long-term financial resource capable of supporting party activities.
WELFARE AT THE CENTRE
Beyond infrastructure development, Mr Kwao said the welfare of NDC members would be at the heart of his administration.
He pledged to work with branch executives to strengthen welfare systems and ensure that party members receive the necessary support when they face difficult circumstances.
According to him, the welfare of members should not be treated as an afterthought, insisting that a strong political organisation must also care for the people who dedicate their time, resources and energy to its activities.
He therefore promised to encourage all branch executives within the UK/Ireland Chapter to place the welfare of their members high on their agenda.
APPEAL TO DELEGATES
Mr Kwao has subsequently appealed to delegates to carefully consider his track record, commitment and standing within the NDC and the UK/Ireland Chapter before casting their ballots.
He urged delegates to support his candidature and give him the mandate to lead the chapter as chairman.
He said his campaign was anchored on vision, development, welfare and building a stronger institutional foundation for the NDC UK/Ireland Chapter.
Mr Kwao maintained that with the collective support of delegates, party executives and members, the chapter could build sustainable structures that would benefit both the present and future generations of NDC members in the UK and Ireland.
Finance Minister says major fiscal gains freeing resources for development
Story: Seth Addi
Ghana has significantly reduced the proportion of its national revenue used to service public debt, with the country now spending less than 20 per cent of its revenue on debt servicing, Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced.
According to the Minister, the latest development represents a major improvement in Ghana’s fiscal position and provides greater room for government to channel resources into critical sectors of the economy.
Dr. Ato Forson said that in the past, more than 50 per cent of Ghana’s national revenue was consumed by debt servicing, leaving limited resources available for essential public investments.
He explained that the high debt-servicing burden had placed considerable pressure on the national budget, affecting the government’s ability to adequately finance schools, hospitals, roads and other critical infrastructure.
“Today, I am proud to say that we have made significant progress. We now spend less than 20 percent of our revenue on servicing debt!” the Minister stated.
The reduction, he said, marks a significant shift in Ghana’s fiscal management and could create more fiscal space for government to pursue development programmes and address the needs of citizens.
The Minister’s comments highlight government’s efforts to restore fiscal stability and reduce the pressure that debt obligations have historically placed on public finances.
With debt servicing consuming a smaller share of government revenue, the Finance Ministry is expected to have greater flexibility in allocating resources to priority sectors while maintaining efforts to strengthen the country’s economic recovery.
FROM OVER 50% TO BELOW 20%
THEN: More than half of national revenue went into debt servicing.
NOW: Less than one-fifth of national revenue is reportedly being used to service debt.
IMPACT: More fiscal space for schools, hospitals, roads and other essential infrastructure.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has today, August 21,2026 inaugurated the government’s Negotiations Team for the modernisation of the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO).
The team has been tasked to lead discussions and negotiate definitive terms of engagement with the strategic partner or investor for the retooling, expansion and long-term sustainability of VALCO as part of Ghana’s Integrated Aluminium Industry agenda.
Inaugurating the team, the Sector Minister emphasised Government’s commitment to revamping VALCO to make it efficient, profitable and globally competitive, while protecting the strategic national interest in the aluminium value chain.
He charged members of the committee to be transparent, diligent and to ensure value for money, noting that VALCO remains a critical national asset that must not be allowed to collapse.
The negotiations are expected to focus on the technical capacity, financial strength, experience in smelter operations, and commitment of the prospective investor to long-term investment in the aluminium sector.
This move comes at a time when VALCO is facing severe operational challenges, with active cells dropping from 127 in 2025 to about 90 as of August 2026 due to aging equipment and power and supply chain constraints.
Members of the Negotiations Team include representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Ministry of Finance, Attorney-General’s Department, and the Chief Executive Officer of VALCO.
The Ministry has assured workers, stakeholders and the general public that Government will not privatise VALCO outright but will bring on board a credible partner to modernise the plant and secure jobs.
BACKGROUND
The Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) was established in 1964 as part of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s vision to use power from the Akosombo Dam to drive an integrated aluminium industry in Ghana.
The smelter, located in Tema, was designed to operate over 200 pots with a capacity of 200,000 tonnes per annum. At its peak, it was a major industrial employer and foreign exchange earner.
In 2008, Government of Ghana acquired 100% shares of VALCO after Kaiser Aluminium exited. Since then, the plant has struggled with inconsistent and expensive power, aging rectifiers and carbon plant equipment, and lack of capital for retooling.
The process to find a strategic investor is not new. It follows a longstanding policy direction which dates to 2022 when Cabinet approved GIADEC and its subsidiary VALCO’s request for approval to secure a strategic equity investor for the modernisation project.
In the same year, an independent comprehensive technical and financial assessment conducted by KPMG in 2022 recommended equity investment as the most commercially viable option for reviving the smelter. 9194
In 2025, a 12-member cross-sectoral committee, comprising representatives from VALCO, GIADEC, Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources, Energy & Green Transition, Finance, and Trade, was inaugurated to evaluate proposals* from interested entities.
The committee was inaugurated in November 2025 by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and submitted its options analysis report on January 7, 2026.
In 2018, Government established GIADEC to lead the development of the full bauxite to aluminium value chain, with VALCO as the anchor smelter. GIADEC has reiterated that Government has no intention to sell VALCO, but will cede a portion of its equity to a strategic investor in exchange for capital injection and retooling.
