about this company
Early Investigations:
Nearly half a century ago in 1915, Mr. E.A. Kitson of the Gold Coast Geological Survey Department drew attention to the potentialities of the Volta River as a source of hydro-electric power and linked it with the deposit of bauxite which he had discovered the previous year in the development of an aluminium industry. Serious proposals for this dual development were first made by the Gold Coast Government in 1924 but were not proceeded with. Between 1938 and 1945, Mr. Duncan Rose, a private entrepreneur carried out field surveys in connection with the project and proceeded to acquire certain concessions in the country. His activities were carried further by the West African Aluminium Company, WAFAL, of which he became its first Chairman in 1945. Aluminium Limited of Canada acquired an interest in the project in 1949.
The Government's interest in the project was revived in 1949 with the appointment of Sir William Halcrow and Partners to prepare a report on the potential uses of the Volta River Basin. The report published in 1951, recommended that in view of the widespread effects it will have on the life and economy of the country the project should be undertaken as a Government enterprise under the control of the Volta River Authority; the production of aluminium however should be entrusted to private companies who would contract with the Authority for power. The report also recommended the appointment of a Special Commissioner to co-ordinate and direct the preparatory work then being carried out by various departments of the Government pending the establishment of the Authority. In the meantime a joint mission sponsored by the British Aluminium Company and Aluminium Limited of Canada investigated and reported favourably on the prospects of an aluminium industry as a part of the project.
