Former Managing Director of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), Titus Glover, is calling for calm and constructive dialogue as government seeks to secure an investor to boost the company’s operations.
According to him, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, and the VALCO Board must actively engage the workers.
Mr Glover’s comments come after VALCO workers in Tema on Tuesday locked the main entrance to the plant in protest over what they describe as attempts to hand over the facility to a private firm, ARK Holdings.
The workers moved in the early hours of the day to block access to the premises, preventing individuals believed to be linked to the company from entering. They say they have not been consulted on the move, raising concerns about job security and the future of the company.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Glover urged management and workers to engage openly to address concerns, particularly around job security.
“I will plead with the GIADEC CEO and the VALCO Board Chairman to remain calm and sit down with the workers. The concerns being raised are about job security, and that is a legitimate issue,” he said.
He stated that the workers’ actions stem from uncertainty and a lack of clear communication about ongoing developments, emphasising the need for transparency, as consistent engagement would help build trust and prevent further tension.
“When people are not being told what is happening, it creates suspicion. Their actions are simply to safeguard their jobs. They should be engaged so that everyone understands what is going on. Transparency is key in situations like this,” he noted.
He acknowledged widespread fears that private sector involvement often leads to job losses but pointed out that assurances have reportedly been given.
“Everyone knows that when a private investor comes in, there is fear of layoffs. But if workers have been assured that no one will be affected, then that assurance must be clearly communicated. If that is not done, it will create mistrust, and that will not augur well for the company,” he cautioned.
Mr Glover further reminded all stakeholders that VALCO remains a national asset that must be protected and strengthened through unity and cooperation.
“VALCO belongs to all of us, and we must prioritise the right approaches to improve its operations,” he stressed.
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