The government will allocate GH¢300 million to complete and operationalise the Foundry and Machine Tooling Centre at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in Accra, a major step towards boosting innovation in manufacturing in Ghana. This facility, which is currently 95% complete, will focus on developing moulds and machine parts for the automobile and manufacturing industries, reducing reliance on imported tools and supporting the country’s industrialisation efforts.
Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Mr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, announced during a tour of the project that the funds will be included in the next budget, with the Centre expected to be operational within the next four to five months. The project is set to create job opportunities, enhance local manufacturing capabilities, and generate revenue.
Once operational, the Centre could serve as a key innovation hub for Ghana’s manufacturing sector, driving technological advancements in machine tooling and automation. By producing high-quality, locally-made machine parts, it will stimulate the development of new manufacturing processes, increase efficiency, and encourage the growth of a more self-sufficient industrial base. This could pave the way for Ghanaian manufacturers to experiment with new designs, improve the quality of locally produced goods, and reduce production costs, making the sector more competitive on a global scale.
Mr. Muhammed highlighted that the Centre’s focus on producing essential machine tools locally would significantly reduce the need for imported parts, thus strengthening Ghana’s industrial ecosystem. “The basic tools we use for our vehicles and industries are imported. The Foundry will enable us to produce these tools locally,” he said.
The Minister also visited the Ghana Radio Astronomy Observatory in Kuntunse, where he discussed the issue of land encroachment affecting the project. He promised to involve the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs to address the problem and safeguard the facility’s operational effectiveness.
Mr. Muhammed urged GAEC to submit proposals for additional resources, particularly for projects that could promote innovation in the agriculture sector, such as local rice production, which could reduce the over GHS3 billion Ghana spends annually on rice and poultry imports. The technologies developed by GAEC, he said, could play a crucial role in advancing the country’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
By investing in this Foundry and Machine Tooling Centre, the government is laying the foundation for an innovative manufacturing industry in Ghana, one that is not only self-reliant but capable of competing on a global stage.
Professor Samuel B. Dampare, Director General of GAEC, assured the Minister of the Commission’s commitment to using nuclear science and technology to foster Ghana’s socio-economic development. This project, he said, would be a game-changer in helping the country harness scientific innovation to drive industrial and economic growth.
