My actions grounded in GIADEC’s legal mandate-Twumasi Ankrah rejects resignation call
His comments come after a protest by VALCO workers on Monday, 9 February, where the union called for his immediate removal.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, says he will not resign over demands from VALCO workers, arguing that his decisions are based on GIADEC’s legal mandate.
His comments come after a protest by VALCO workers on Monday, 9 February, where the union called for his immediate removal. The workers accused him of refusing to engage stakeholders, described his leadership as authoritarian, and alleged incompetence in managing the corporation.
Speaking on JoyNews on Wednesday, Mr Ankrah said the calls for his resignation appear to be rooted in a misunderstanding of what the law requires of GIADEC.
He said anyone familiar with the GIADEC law would see he is acting within its powers and obligations.
Mr Ankrah insisted that his approach is driven by the broader national interest, not what he called the “parochial interests” of a small group.
He also said he was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama and believes the President remains satisfied with his performance.
Responding to criticism over plans to engage foreign partners, the GIADEC CEO said seeking international capital and expertise is normal business practice, especially when trying to modernise struggling firms.
He argued that the law allows GIADEC to recruit and partner internationally under “international best commercial practices,” and questioned why efforts to raise investment for VALCO are being portrayed as a problem.
He added that co-ownership deals in exchange for equity are common ways to keep businesses afloat.
Mr Ankrah said the bigger objective is to revive and expand VALCO so it can operate at full capacity, which he believes would lead to more jobs and higher national revenue.
