One of Ghana’s flagship industrialization policies, the One-District-One-Factory (1D1F) programme, has been officially abolished as a result of the government making a strategic pivot toward its new 24-hour economy agenda.
Confirming the termination before Parliament on Tuesday, Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare stated unequivocally, “There is no policy as 1D1F,” adding that all associated investment incentives have been withdrawn.
Launched in 2017 by the previous NPP administration, 1D1F aimed to establish at least one factory in each district to accelerate local manufacturing, create jobs, and drive Ghana’s industrialisation. Its discontinuation underscores the government’s decision to recalibrate industrial policy in light of its new industrialization plan.
“The 24-hour economy policy is the new game changer which seeks to make Ghana vibrant irrespective of time,” Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare told Parliament.
She outlined that the strategy will anchor on developing agro-processing parks to stimulate import substitution, boost exports, and generate youth employment.
Pivot Driven by Economic Pressures
The policy U-turn comes at a time when Ghana battles sluggish industrial growth, persistent inflation, and cedi volatility. Analysts see the new approach as an attempt to attract private sector investment, especially in agribusiness, while reducing dependence on raw commodity exports.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin pressed the minister for details on incentives under the new framework, especially regarding industrial park development in underdeveloped regions to mitigate investor risks.
