Ghana’s manufacturing and industrial sectors are gradually turning to automation and smart technologies to stay competitive amid rising production costs and growing pressure from imported goods, Mr. Samuel Adjei, Head of the Automobile Department at the Opportunity Industrialization Technical Institute (OITI), has said.
Mr. Adjei explained that local manufacturers, especially those in the automotive, food processing, and metal fabrication industries, are beginning to embrace robotics, computer-aided manufacturing, and process automation to enhance efficiency and reduce human error.
“Automation is no longer a luxury but it’s a necessity,” he said in an interview. “Manufacturers in Ghana are realizing that to cut costs, improve quality, and meet delivery timelines, they must integrate technology into their operations. The world has moved beyond manual systems.”
He noted that the high cost of energy, imported raw materials, and labour inefficiencies are driving many Ghanaian businesses to explore technology-based solutions to remain profitable.
“In the auto industry, for example, diagnostics, assembly, and even painting are now being supported by computer systems that reduce waste and improve accuracy,” he added.
According to Mr. Adjei, while some large manufacturers have begun adopting automation tools, small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) still lag behind due to limited capital and technical know-how.
He said this gap risks widening the competitiveness divide between large firms and smaller local producers.
“Many SMEs still operate manually because of the initial cost of automation. But the truth is, in the long run, investing in smart systems reduces costs and increases output,” he said. “We must start viewing automation as an investment, not an expense.”
He said institutions like OITI are working to train a new generation of technicians capable of operating and maintaining automated systems.
“We are introducing modules in mechatronics, auto-electronics, and digital manufacturing to prepare our students for the modern industrial environment,” he said.
“It’s not just about building factories; it’s about building competence,” he said. “Factories need skilled operators, programmers, and maintenance engineers who understand how to run automated systems efficiently.”
He also called for government support through targeted tax incentives and funding mechanisms to encourage local manufacturers to automate their production lines.
“If the government can help cushion the cost of adopting technology through tax reliefs or access to affordable credit, it will accelerate the shift toward modern manufacturing,” he said.
Mr. Adjei added that Ghana’s automotive sector provides a clear example of how automation can drive competitiveness and job creation.
“Automation does not necessarily take away jobs; it changes the nature of work,” he said. “Instead of manual labour, we are talking about skilled technicians managing systems, analyzing data, and improving performance. That’s the future of industry.”
He urged policymakers to link technical training institutions directly with industries to ensure that automation skills are relevant and practical. “We can’t train in isolation. The classroom must reflect what happens on the factory floor,” he said.
Industry analysts say automation could help Ghana’s manufacturers boost productivity by up to 30 percent over the next decade if investments are paired with robust skills training and reliable power supply.
Mr. Adjei added that Ghana’s competitiveness in regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depends heavily on how quickly it adapts to new production technologies.
“If we modernize our factories, we’ll not only reduce imports but also become a hub for quality, efficient, and affordable products made in Ghana,” he said.
