The Government will establish seven new agro-processing plants and three garment factories across Ghana in 2026 to accelerate industrialisation and create sustainable jobs under the 24-Hour Economy Initiative.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the policy in the 2026 Budget Statement, noting that the plan reflects the administration’s commitment to value addition, export diversification, and rural development.
“The era of exporting raw materials with minimal returns is over,” Dr. Forson declared. “Our new industrial drive is about processing, packaging, and producing for both the domestic and export markets.”
The agro-processing industry Ghana 2026 agenda will prioritise value chains in rice, cashew, poultry, fish, shea, palm oil, and yam.
The seven plants, spread across Bono East, Northern, Volta, Western North, and Central Regions are expected to process up to 600,000 metric tonnes of raw produce annually.
Each facility will integrate modern technology, cold storage, and solar power systems to ensure efficiency and reduce waste. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) will coordinate implementation with support from the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) and the Ghana EXIM Bank, providing credit guarantees and export financing.
In addition, three garment factories will be established in Tema, Kumasi, and Tamale, each projected to employ about 3,000 workers directly. These facilities will supply both local and regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Forson said the initiative supports the 24-Hour Economy vision, which encourages continuous production and service delivery to enhance competitiveness and attract investment.
“The garment and agro-processing clusters will operate on shifts to sustain round-the-clock activity,” he said. “That is how we keep production continuous and employment steady.”
The plan will strengthen linkages between large-scale manufacturers and smallholder farmers, encouraging contract farming and local sourcing. SMEs in packaging, logistics, and export marketing will benefit from government-backed credit and technical support.
“This programme connects farmers to factories and factories to markets,” Dr. Forson explained. “It builds an industrial ecosystem that retains value within our borders.”
According to the Budget, the combined investment is expected to create over 120,000 jobs, directly and indirectly by 2027, while boosting non-traditional exports by US$400 million annually.
Industry experts believe the policy could position Ghana as a regional hub for agro-processing and textile exports under AfCFTA, especially if supported by consistent energy and logistics infrastructure.
Dr. Forson noted that the government will also provide tax incentives for export-oriented agro-processors, including accelerated depreciation and exemptions on imported machinery.
Analysts at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority say the initiative will transform Ghana’s rural economies, enhance competitiveness, and improve the trade balance.
“The agro-processing industry Ghana 2026 agenda aligns perfectly with our export diversification strategy,” one official said. “It will move Ghana from a commodity-dependent economy to a value-driven one.”
Dr. Forson added, “We are not just processing food, we are processing progress. Every factory represents a step toward self-reliance and prosperity.”
