ICU-Ghana stages mass protest over alleged VALCO sale, demands government abandons privatization plans

Hundreds of workers from the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU)-Ghana descended on the premises of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) in Tema on Monday morning, staging a fierce demonstration against what they describe as a clandestine government plot to sell the state-owned smelter.

Wielding placards reading “Hands Off VALCO” and “Nkrumah’s Legacy is Not for Sale,” the workers marched through the industrial enclave, chanting solidarity songs and vowing to resist any move that threatens their livelihoods. The protest, which blocked the main access road to the facility for several hours, marks the latest escalation in a simmering industrial dispute that has gripped the company since January 2026.

Addressing the charged gathering, ICU-Ghana General Secretary Morgan Ayawine delivered a fiery keynote, framing the day’s action as a historic stand for national sovereignty. “July 27, 2026, is a great day. It is a day for the determination of our destiny as patriotic citizens of this country,” Ayawine declared, his voice rising above the chants of the crowd. “We are here to determine the fate of one of the premier companies bequeathed by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to all of us—a symbol of our industrialisation and economic independence.”

Ayawine did not mince words, accusing successive administrations of a pattern of asset-stripping. “It has been noticed that over the years, government after government has attempted to sell everything, and now they are at it again, and they want to sell VALCO,” he asserted, drawing roars of approval from the workers.

However, the union leader was careful to frame the protest as a workers’ rights issue rather than a partisan political one. “We are not here to do politics. We are not partisan politicians. We are labour unions, and our duty is to ensure that jobs are created and protected,” he stressed, dismissing any suggestions that the union was aligning with any political faction.

The protest comes despite repeated assurances from the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) that no outright sale of VALCO is on the table. GIADEC CEO Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah has consistently maintained that the corporation is merely exploring a “co-ownership” arrangement with a strategic private sector partner to inject capital and technical expertise into the ailing smelter.

In a recent statement, GIADEC insisted that the partnership model would not result in job losses and would, in fact, secure the long-term viability of the plant, which has historically struggled with high power costs and irregular alumina supply. Yet, union leaders remain deeply sceptical, arguing that “co-ownership” in the Ghanaian context often serves as a backdoor to complete divestiture.

The workers’ fears are rooted in recent history, having witnessed the government’s various divestiture programmes which, they argue, have often led to retrenchment and the erosion of pension benefits. The union has also renewed its call for the immediate dismissal of Mr. Ankrah, alleging that his leadership has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and opacity.

At the core of the dispute is the future of VALCO’s smelter, which has been largely idle for years despite the government’s multibillion-cedi investment in the GIADEC master plan to revitalise the aluminium value chain. While GIADEC argues that a private partner is essential to secure the billions required to restart operations, ICU-Ghana contends that the state should retain 100% ownership while pursuing the necessary capital through sovereign-backed financing.

As the protest concluded peacefully around midday, Mr. Ayawine indicated that the union would not relent. He warned of potential industrial action and street protests if the government fails to provide a clear, legally binding document guaranteeing no sale or transfer of majority shares.

“The workers are united. Our red line is clear: VALCO must remain a wholly-owned state asset,” Ayawine reiterated. “We will not accept a sale dressed up as a partnership.”

The government has yet to issue an official comment on Monday’s protest, but sources within the Ministry of Trade and Industry indicate that high-level stakeholder meetings are expected in the coming days to de-escalate tensions. For now, the fate of one of Ghana’s most iconic industrial assets hangs in the balance, as the chants of the ICU echo through the streets of Tema.