President John Dramani Mahama has cut sod for the construction of the New Float Glass Manufacturing Company in Shama in the Western Region, describing the project as a strategic milestone in Ghana’s renewed drive toward industrial transformation.
The event, hosted by KEDA (Ghana) Ceramics Company Limited, formed part of a broader ceremony that saw the expansion of the company’s operations, including the inauguration of the fifth phase of its tile production line and the commissioning of a modern sanitary ware facility.
Positioning the new factory within the economic agenda, President Mahama said the investment reflects the country’s determination to deepen industrial capacity and reduce import dependence.
“This marks a significant step in Ghana’s industrial transformation agenda,” he said, emphasising that strategic manufacturing investments remain central to national development.
The float glass plant, once operational, is projected to produce 1,400 tonnes of glass per day, a scale that would rank it among the largest on the African continent. The facility is expected to support domestic construction and manufacturing sectors while significantly lowering the volume of imported glass products.
Beyond import substitution, the project is forecast to generate about $100 million in annual exports, providing a boost to Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings. It is also expected to strengthen upstream and downstream supply chains, stimulate local enterprise participation, and create sustainable jobs in the Western Region.
Large-scale glass production could also improve access to competitively priced raw materials for Ghana’s real estate and infrastructure sectors, enhancing overall industrial competitiveness.
Calling for strong stewardship of the facility, the President urged management and staff to prioritise efficiency and long-term sustainability.
“Ghana’s industrialisation will succeed when government provides stability, investors bring capital, and communities offer strong partnership,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative framework required to sustain industrial growth.
He further reiterated that the competitiveness of locally manufactured products must remain a top priority, stressing that Ghanaian industries can thrive internationally when anchored on quality and innovation.
The development highlights Ghana’s focus on capital-intensive manufacturing as a driver of economic growth. The float glass facility strengthens the industrial base, supports the construction materials sector, and boosts the country’s position in regional markets.
