The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Italian engineering company Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.P.A. for a proposed €300 million investment to establish an aluminium foil manufacturing plant and a Centre of Excellence in Ghana.
The agreement marks another step in government’s efforts to build an integrated aluminium industry that adds value to the country’s bauxite resources while creating jobs, attracting investment and expanding exports.
The MoU was signed at the residence of the Italian Ambassador to Ghana and forms part of plans to develop an Integrated Industrial Park within the Tema Heavy Industrial Zone.
Under the agreement, Danieli intends to invest approximately €300 million in downstream aluminium processing infrastructure, including a modern aluminium foil rolling plant with an annual production capacity of between 40,000 and 45,000 tonnes.
The facility will manufacture a wide range of aluminium foil products for the packaging, pharmaceutical, food service and industrial sectors, targeting both domestic and export markets.
The investment package also includes the establishment of a Centre of Excellence to support technical training, research, innovation and skills development in advanced aluminium processing technologies.
The centre is expected to serve as a regional hub for technology transfer and capacity building, helping to develop a skilled workforce for Ghana’s growing manufacturing sector.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Danilo Dreolini of the Danieli Group said the project presents an opportunity for Ghana to move beyond exporting raw minerals by developing high-value aluminium products for international markets.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s industrialisation agenda through investments in modern manufacturing technologies.
The Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Laura Ranalli, welcomed the agreement, describing it as another milestone in strengthening economic and industrial cooperation between Ghana and Italy.
She assured stakeholders of the Italian Embassy’s continued support in facilitating partnerships that promote industrial development and investment.
Mr. Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, Chief Executive Officer of GIADEC, said the agreement reinforces the Corporation’s commitment to establishing a fully integrated aluminium value chain capable of driving sustainable industrial growth.
He noted that GIADEC would continue collaborating with reputable international partners to position Ghana as a leading aluminium manufacturing hub in West Africa.
According to him, developing downstream industries remains critical to ensuring that the country derives greater economic value from its natural resources through local processing instead of exporting raw materials.
The proposed aluminium foil plant will be located within the Integrated Industrial Park in the Tema Heavy Industrial Zone, which is being developed by ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) in partnership with GIADEC and Tema Development Corporation (TDC) Limited.
The location was selected because of its strategic proximity to the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), Tema Port and existing industrial infrastructure, which are expected to support efficient production and facilitate exports.
Industry analysts believe the project could significantly improve Ghana’s competitiveness in aluminium processing by strengthening domestic manufacturing and expanding the country’s participation in regional and global value chains.
Beyond increasing value addition, the project is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities across mining, manufacturing, logistics, engineering and related support services.
The Centre of Excellence is also expected to enhance local technical expertise by providing specialised training in aluminium processing technologies and supporting innovation within the industry.
Government believes the investment will contribute to increased export earnings, improved foreign exchange generation and greater investor confidence in Ghana’s manufacturing sector.
The signing ceremony was attended by officials from GIADEC, Danieli Group, the Italian Embassy in Ghana and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Ghana’s industrial transformation through strategic international partnerships.
