Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has pledged increased government backing for local manufacturers, highlighting their critical role in strengthening the economy.
Ofosu-Adjare and her team, including Deputy Minister Sampson Ahi, visited Kasapreko PLC and Guinness Ghana Ltd on Friday, February 6, 2026, to engage management teams and gain firsthand insight into the challenges facing the beverage sector.
At Kasapreko, Managing Director Richard Adjei welcomed the delegation and highlighted the company’s 36-year history of producing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Adjei praised government reforms that have stabilized the economy, noting that “borrowing costs, duties and some taxes had reduced,” and welcomed the extension of export proceeds repatriation from 60 to 120 days as a boost to liquidity.
However, he raised concerns about competition from imported products, logistical bottlenecks at borders, non-tariff barriers, and limited water supply, urging urgent government intervention to support local production.
Responding, Ofosu-Adjare assured that the government would work with the Ghana Water Company and relevant agencies to ensure adequate water supply. “Now, the visits are done, and I’ve seen one issue that is popping up, and that is water. We are going to work closely with the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ghana Water Company to make sure that they get an adequate water supply,” she said. She also pledged to engage regulatory bodies to address trade documentation and non-tariff barriers.
At Guinness Ghana Ltd, Managing Director Frédéric Ferraille welcomed the Minister and described the visit as “an important opportunity to deepen collaboration between Government and Guinness Ghana.” Ofosu-Adjare encouraged local companies to expand production and tap into national initiatives such as the Accelerated Export Development Programme and the 24-hour economy policy to create jobs and boost growth.
She further urged importers to shift toward local manufacturing where capacity exists, noting that domestic production strengthens the economy and eases pressure on ports.
