Ghana is accelerating industrial and agribusiness reforms as part of a strategy to tackle raw-material shortages, revive state-owned factories and expand access to long-term finance, the Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said.
A central challenge facing manufacturers, the minister said, is that many factories operate at about 30% of installed capacity, often due to shortages of raw materials rather than lack of demand or financing. To address this, the government has launched the Feed the Industry Programme, securing land in several regions to support agro-based and non-agro raw-material production.
Policy measures include restrictions on the export of non-ferrous scrap metals and a ban on raw natural rubber exports, aimed at ensuring supply for domestic manufacturers.
The ministry has also completed draft policies covering textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, special economic zones, and a review of the automotive policy to include electric vehicles and two- and three-wheelers. Ghana, through the ministry, aims to position itself as a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub for West Africa.
In electric mobility, the government has signed an agreement with Shenzhen New Gecko to establish an EV assembly plant in Ghana, while discussions continue with Chery International. Existing manufacturers, according to the minister, are also expanding, including new production lines at Sunda International.
On agribusiness, the government has procured equipment for seven mini-processing plants across the country, covering value chains such as maize, poultry, plantain, cashew, ginger and cocoa by-products. The ministry is also reviewing strategic state-owned enterprises, including the Komenda Sugar Development Company, with plans for revitalisation guided by transactional advisors.
Financing remains a binding constraint. The Ghana Exim Bank disbursed $304 million in 2025, under tighter credit standards, and recovered $170 million in legacy loans. The bank is exploring a $200 million capital-markets raise to complete partially funded projects and protect existing investments.
Youth employment initiatives also featured prominently. Under the Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship Programme, the minister at her turn at the government accountability series said that more than 6,000 young people received start-up kits, alongside credit support exceeding GH¢10 million. Additional funding has been channelled to micro and small enterprises through the Rural Enterprise Development Fund and the World Bank-backed Ghana Economic Transformation Project.
The minister said the integration of agribusiness into the trade and industry portfolio has strengthened value addition, improved raw-material supply and reinforced the government’s push toward a 24-hour industrial economy.
