By Sarah Baafi
The Tema Grassroots of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have commended President John Dramani Mahama for securing a strategic partner for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) within his first year in office, describing the move as a major boost to industrial revival and job creation in the Tema metropolis.
According to the group, the partnership marks a significant turnaround for VALCO, which had struggled for years with declining operations, financial losses and limited employment opportunities. The grassroots leadership noted that despite repeated assurances by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration over an eight-year period, efforts to attract a strategic investor for the aluminium smelter did not materialise.
In a statement issued , the group said President Mahama’s success in securing a partner demonstrates strong leadership and effective economic diplomacy, adding that the development has renewed hope among the youth and working class in the industrial city.
“For years, VALCO remained in limbo while promises of expansion went unfulfilled. Today, there is renewed optimism as prosperity begins to return to Tema and the vision of a revived industrial hub becomes attainable,” a spokesperson for the group stated.
The Tema NDC Grassroots further linked the development to the President’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy, noting that the revival of VALCO is expected to transition the company into a multi-shift production system. They believe this will lead to significant direct and indirect job creation, increased production capacity and improved financial performance for the company.
The group also argued that the expected expansion of VALCO’s operations would strengthen the local economy, contribute to industrial growth and support broader economic stability, drawing parallels with what they described as recent improvements in the stability of the Ghana cedi.
Calling for unity, the grassroots leadership described the VALCO partnership as a national achievement that should be supported across political divides. They urged party supporters and stakeholders to rally behind the initiative to ensure its success.
The Tema NDC Grassroots reaffirmed their support for President Mahama’s leadership and pledged continued commitment to grassroots development and industrial growth in the Tema metropolis.
