Accra: The Industrial and Commercial Workers' Union (ICU)-Ghana has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to halt any proposed sale of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), arguing that the strategic state-owned company must remain under Ghanaian ownership. The petition was presented during a protest march organised by the union against reports that the government intends to sell VALCO, amid concerns that such a move could threaten workers' jobs.
According to Ghana Web, in a video sighted on July 27, 2026, the General Secretary of ICU-Ghana, Morgan Ayawine, stated the union was demanding urgent government intervention to preserve the company as a national asset. 'Respectfully, we call on President John Dramani Mahama to respond decisively to halt the proposed sale of VALCO and ensure that this strategic national asset remains under the control and ownership of the people of Ghana,' he declared while presenting the petition at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly.
Morgan Ayawine stressed that VALCO remains vital to Ghana's industrialisation agenda, with the potential to create jobs, drive economic growth, and support national development if retained under Ghanaian ownership.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the authorities, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Ebi Bright, commended the union for staging a peaceful demonstration and assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities. 'In good faith, we will send this message across, and I want to reassure you that this is a listening government. No matter what, you must keep faith in its resolve not only to reset the nation but also to ensure jobs, prosperity, and economic viability for all Ghanaians,' she said.