Ghana is moving to anchor its industrialisation drive in agriculture, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry announced on Wednesday at the opening of the West Africa Agri Show (WAAS 2025) in Accra.
Delivering the keynote on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Director of Administration Yaw Sekyi said government initiatives such as the Feed the Industry Programme, the Agribusiness Development and Value Extension Programme, and the Made-in-Ghana Campaign are central to strengthening value chain linkages from farm to factory.
According to Mr. Sekyi, these interventions are designed to create stronger connections between farmers, processors and markets, ensuring that agriculture becomes a catalyst for sustainable industrial growth.
The Ministry is also reviewing its National Trade and Industrial Policies and drafting a new National Agribusiness Policy. Mr. Sekyi, noted that the reforms will align Ghana’s agribusiness strategy with emerging opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and digital trade, opening new channels for export-led growth.
The government’s positioning reflects a broader shift in West Africa, where agribusiness is increasingly viewed as the backbone of industrialisation and a key sector for investment. By linking agriculture to manufacturing and trade, the government hopes to reduce import dependency, raise export earnings, and create jobs, particularly for youth.
Mr. Sekyi commended WAAS organisers for providing a platform to connect government, private investors, development partners, and regional stakeholders. The two-day exhibition, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, opened with a ribbon-cutting and tour of agribusiness innovations. It has drawn policymakers, industry leaders, and farmers from across West Africa to explore investment and partnership opportunities.
WAAS 2025 will focus on agribusiness financing, supply chain resilience, and technology adoption, as participants deliberate on ways to make agriculture a driver of competitiveness under AfCFTA.
