Businessman Ibrahim Mahama has denied allegations that he is seeking to acquire the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), describing the claims as false and defamatory.
Mr Mahama, the founder of Engineers & Planners, said he has no interest in purchasing the state-owned aluminium company and has not made any offer to take over the facility.
The denial comes after concerns raised by the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU)-Ghana over reports that VALCO could be sold to a private investor. The union petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to stop any move to privatise the company, arguing that VALCO remains a strategic national asset that should stay under Ghanaian ownership.
During a protest march against the reported sale, some demonstrators alleged that Mr Mahama was the potential buyer of the aluminium company because of his business background and his relationship with the President.
However, in a statement issued through his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman rejected the claims, insisting that they were untrue.
“Mr Ibrahim Mahama has no such interest and has not made any such offer to acquire VALCO,” the statement said.
The statement described the allegations as part of attempts to damage Mr Mahama’s reputation and subject him to unnecessary public scrutiny.
“Unfortunately, the allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” it added.
It further defended the businessman’s record, stating that all companies in which he has interests were established or acquired legally and have operated within the framework of Ghana’s laws.
“The track record of the integrity of the businesses that Mr Mahama has interest in proves that his businesses are one of the best-run operations across the African continent,” the statement said.
Mr Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic development through investments in business opportunities locally and internationally.
According to the statement, he has instructed his legal team to take action against those responsible for spreading the allegations.
“He has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the ICU-Ghana has maintained its position that VALCO must remain under Ghanaian control, urging the government to abandon any plans that could lead to the company’s privatisation.
The controversy over the future ownership of VALCO continues to generate public debate, with calls for transparency over any decisions concerning the country’s aluminium industry.
