The government is targeting Axim in the Western region as a potential economic hub, with plans to leverage its agricultural, fisheries and cultural assets to expand local production, processing, trade and jobs.
The strategy forms part of a broader strategy to connect local economies to industrial value chains and international markets, with the government identifying Axim’s natural resources and coastal location as key assets for growth.
Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, says the government wants to build stronger links between production, processing and trade to enable communities such as Axim to retain more value from their resources.
“Axim possesses extraordinary abundance, with 13 landing beaches, fertile land for cash crops and historic monuments like Fort Saint Anthony. These assets provide a strong foundation for building a more productive local economy and connecting Axim to wider markets,” the Minister observed .
The government’s approach is to treat production, processing and trade as one continuous value chain, creating opportunities for local enterprises to move beyond the sale of raw materials into higher-value activities.
A key part of the strategy is the development of agro-processing and the blue economy, supported by initiatives including the National Agribusiness Policy, Feed the Industry Programme, Accelerated Export Development Programme and the 24-Hour Economy Policy.
The government also sees the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an opportunity for businesses in Axim to expand beyond the domestic market, provided local enterprises can increase production capacity, improve processing and meet international quality standards.
The Ministry said these interventions are expected to support women and youth-led businesses while creating an environment for private investment in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and tourism.
Axim’s 13 landing beaches provide a base for expanding fisheries-related businesses, while its agricultural potential could support processing activities linked to cash crops and other local produce.
The government also wants Axim’s cultural and historical assets, including Fort Saint Anthony, to contribute to the local economy through tourism and related businesses.
The summit, co-chaired by Awulae Atubrukusu III, President of the Lower Axim Traditional Council, and Awulae Kwaw Armah II, President of the Upper Axim Traditional Council, brought attention to the role of traditional authorities and the private sector in driving local economic development.
The Ministry said the long-term objective is to create a stronger local production base and establish “Made in Axim” as a mark associated with quality, while connecting businesses in the area to national and international markets.
