Businessman Ibrahim Mahama has denied claims that he is seeking to acquire the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO), describing the allegations as false and announcing plans to take legal action against those responsible for circulating them.

The denial follows a protest by workers of VALCO and the Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) in Tema over what they alleged were plans to sell the state-owned aluminium company.

However, in a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, Mr Mahama dismissed the claims, insisting he has neither expressed interest in purchasing VALCO nor made any offer to acquire the company.

“Mr Ibrahim Mahama has no such interest and has not made any such offer to acquire VALCO,” the statement said.

The statement described the allegation as the latest in what it called “several vile attempts” to damage Mr Mahama’s reputation and draw him into unnecessary public controversy.

According to the statement, all of Mr Mahama’s business interests have been legally established or acquired and continue to operate in full compliance with Ghana’s laws.

It further noted that the longevity of his businesses, which have operated successfully through seven successive election cycles, demonstrates their sound management and adherence to legal and corporate governance standards.

“The track record of the integrity of the businesses that Mr Mahama has interest in prove that his businesses are one of the best run operations across the African continent,” the statement added.

It also reiterated Mr Mahama’s commitment to contributing to Ghana’s economic development through investments in legitimate business opportunities both within the country and abroad.

The statement also announced that Mr Mahama has instructed his lawyers to initiate legal proceedings over the publication of the allegations.

Meanwhile, workers of VALCO and the ICU have maintained their opposition to any move to privatise or dispose of the state-owned aluminium company, arguing that such a decision could threaten jobs and undermine Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.

Read the statement below:

VALCO workers protest in Tema over alleged sale (Video)

PMSU-VALCO disassociates itself from protest, backs search for strategic partner