Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, says Ghana’s industrial transformation must focus on value addition. She noted that Africa’s reliance on exporting raw commodities has limited real wealth creation.
In addition she explained that government is deliberately promoting local processing across key value chains. Processing capacity is expanding, with stronger market linkages for farmers and agribusinesses.
“The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry recognizes that industrial transformation begins with value addition,” she said. “For far too long, African economies have exported raw commodities only to import finished products at several times the value. Ghana is actively working to change this dynamic.”
However she said domestic grinders, chocolate makers and cocoa-based SMEs are growing steadily. Similar progress is underway in cashew, shea, palm oil, coconut and cassava processing. New factories, better quality standards and improved markets are helping producers move up the value chain.
Also she highlighted the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative as a key policy tool. The plan supports round-the-clock operations in manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, health and digital services. It is designed to lift output, create jobs and boost Ghana’s competitiveness.
“This initiative is a practical restructuring of how our economy functions,” she stated. Also She described it as an invitation to the private sector to scale and invest more.
Also, On trade facilitation, the Minister pointed to recent maritime logistics improvements. Phases one and two of the Tema Port Expansion Project have been completed. She said the port is now among the most efficient container terminals in Africa.
Ofosu-Adjare stressed that industrialisation needs an efficient trade and logistics backbone. She said Ghana’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat strengthens that ambition. Participation in AfCFTA’s guided trade has showcased Ghana’s processed goods across African markets.
She told investors that producing in Ghana opens access to a 1.3 billion-person market. Moreover she said, is a strategic advantage that policy reforms will keep strengthening.
In addition the Minister called for deeper partnerships between government, development partners and investors. Lastly, She emphasised the need for long-term industrial financing and strong value chain support. Such collaboration, she said, is crucial for resilient supply chains and cross-border infrastructure.
